Paclitaxel
About Paclitaxel
Paclitaxel belongs to the group of anti-cancer medicines called anti-microtubule agents used to treat various types of cancers, including ovarian and breast cancer (in advanced/spreading state or after surgery) and advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer.
Paclitaxel contains ‘Paclitaxel’, which works by stopping cell division and preventing the growth of certain cancer cells.
In some cases, Paclitaxel may cause common side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhoea, and joint or muscle pain. Do not be reluctant to talk with your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning pregnancy. Paclitaxel is not recommended for children below 18 years. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Paclitaxel
Medicinal Benefits
Paclitaxel belongs to the group of anti-cancer medicines called anti-microtubule agents used to treat various types of cancers, including ovarian and breast cancer (in advanced/spreading state or after surgery) and advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer. It may also be used when other treatments have failed or in combination with other treatments. Paclitaxel may also be indicated in patients with Kaposi’s sarcoma (cancer that develops from the cells that line lymph or blood vessels) associated with AIDS (Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome), where other treatments have not been effective. Paclitaxel contains ‘Paclitaxel’, which works by preventing the growth of certain cancer cells.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Paclitaxel
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Hair loss
- Joint or muscle pain
- Decreased blood cell count
Drug Warnings
Do not take Paclitaxel if you are allergic to any of its components, if your white blood cell or platelet count is very low, if you have a serious uncontrolled infection, and Paclitaxel has to be given for the treatment of Kaposi’s sarcoma (cancer that causes lesions in soft tissues), or if you have severe liver problems. Inform your doctor if you have heart disease, abnormal blood cell counts, irregular heartbeat, tingling, numbness, or burning sensation in fingers or toes, visual problems, if you are on radiation therapy, or if you have Kaposi’s sarcoma and have a sore or inflamed mouth. Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking antibiotics (rifampicin, erythromycin), anti-fungal (ketoconazole), anti-depressant (fluoxetine), anti-epileptic (carbamazepine, phenytoin), lipid regulating agent (gemfibrozil), antacid (cimetidine), medicines used to treat HIV/AIDS (ritonavir, saquinavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, efavirenz, nevirapine), anti-platelet (clopidogrel).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have a very low white blood cell or platelet count, a serious uncontrolled infection, or severe liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol interacts with this medicine. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafePaclitaxel must not be given during pregnancy unless clearly necessary, as it may cause birth defects. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Paclitaxel.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding whilst on treatment with Paclitaxel. Do not restart breastfeeding until your doctor tells you it is safe to do so.
Driving
cautionPaclitaxel may cause dizziness, tiredness, or nausea. Drive or operate heavy machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDo not use Paclitaxel if you have severe liver problems. If you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Paclitaxel.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before receiving Paclitaxel. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafePaclitaxel is not recommended for children below 18 years due to a lack of data on the safety and effectiveness.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, herbs and spices in your diet.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugar.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may advise regular blood tests to check for liver activity, kidney function and blood cell count.
- You and/or your partner should use reliable contraception during treatment with Paclitaxel and for at least six months after the treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Breast cancer: It is a type of cancer that develops in the breast when the breast cells begin to grow abnormally. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast or tissue thickening which feels different than the normal surrounding tissues, breast pain, redness, swelling, nipple discharge other than breast milk, bloody discharge, unexplained change in shape, size or appearance of the breast, peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin, and a lump or swelling under the arm.
Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and multiply in the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Signs and symptoms include pain, swelling, or a feeling of pressure in the pelvis or abdomen, frequent or sudden urge to urinate, feeling full or trouble eating, a lump in the pelvic area, gas, bloating, or constipation.
Non-small cell lung cancer: It is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the lungs. Smoking is the major risk factor for non-small cell lung cancer. Symptoms include a cough that does not go away and shortness of breath.
FAQs
Paclitaxel is used to treat Ovarian cancer, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer.
Paclitaxel works by stopping cell division and preventing the growth of certain cancer cells.
Paclitaxel might cause sterility which could be permanent. Please talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
The most common side effect of Paclitaxel is hair loss. The hair may grow back after the treatment with Paclitaxel is finished. However, consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Yes, Paclitaxel is cytotoxic. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and causing them to die. However, its cytotoxic nature also means it can affect normal, healthy cells, potentially leading to side effects.
Yes, Paclitaxel is considered a vesicant. A vesicant is a chemical substance that, if it leaks out of the vein (extravasation), can cause blistering of the skin and surrounding tissues. If Paclitaxel accidentally leaks during intravenous (IV) infusion, it may lead to inflammation, blistering, or even tissue necrosis. Your healthcare provider will take precautions to ensure the drug is infused properly and monitor the infusion site for any signs of leakage. If extravasation occurs, the infusion should be stopped immediately, and steps should be taken to minimize the damage.
Paclitaxel is an effective cancer treatment with a low risk of cardiac side effects. Your healthcare team will closely monitor your heart function to ensure your safety. They'll watch for any changes in heart rhythms or blood pressure, and work with you to manage any potential issues. With careful monitoring, you can receive this life-saving treatment with confidence.
Paclitaxel is a natural product derived from the bark of the Pacific yew tree (Taxus baccata). It is a chemotherapy medication used to treat various cancers, including breast, ovarian, and lung cancer.
The common side effects of Paclitaxel include nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhoea, and joint or muscle pain. Not everyone will experience all of these side effects, and they typically resolve once the treatment is stopped. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
