Precautions
· How is Taxol given? Taxol is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be given other medications to prevent an allergic reaction while you are receiving paclitaxel. Taxol is usually given once every 3 weeks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Is Taxol a strong chemo drug?
How Taxol Is Given: Taxol is given as an injection or infusion into the vein (intravenous, IV). Taxol is an irritant. An irritant is a chemical that can cause inflammation of the vein through which it is given. If the medication escapes from the vein it can cause tissue damage. The nurse or doctor who gives Taxol must be carefully trained.
What to expect from taxol?
Paclitaxel can be given once every two weeks, over two hours (known as accelerated or dose dense). Or it may be given weekly in lower doses over one hour. The interval between each cycle of treatment gives your body time to recover, and may vary depending on whether the number of blood cells has returned to normal between each cycle.
How long does Taxol stay in your body?
· TAXOL should be administered through an in-line filter with a microporous membrane not greater than 0.22 microns. Use of filter devices such as IVEX-2® filters which incorporate short inlet and outlet PVC-coated tubing has not resulted in …
What are the side effects of Taxol?
· Taxol + Herceptin is a chemotherapy & biologic regimen used in the treatment of breast cancer. This treatment involves two drugs: Taxol (paclitaxel) and Herceptin (trastuzumab) MOST COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF TAXOL + HERCEPTIN Nausea & Vomiting Risk of Infection Neuropathy Hair Loss For more information, see the 'Expert Resources' tab below.
How long does Taxol take to administer?
You usually have paclitaxel over 3 hours and carboplatin between 30 minutes and 1 hour. The whole treatment can take up to 4 hours.
Is Taxol given alone?
Paclitaxel is also used alone or with other chemotherapy or anti-cancer drugs to treat breast cancer that has: Spread to the tissues and lymph nodes around the chest, neck and under the breastbone (known as regional recurrence or locally advanced breast cancer)
How is Taxol administered for breast cancer?
Taxol has now been approved for adjuvant treatment of breast cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes when given following a doxorubicin chemotherapy regimen. Taxol is given as an infusion drip into the vein.
Is Taxol chemo easier than AC chemo?
While some of the side effects for Taxol will overlap with Adriamycin and Cytoxan, my doctor tells me Taxol is typically much easier on bodies than A/C treatment.
Do you lose hair with weekly Taxol?
The drugs paclitaxel ("Taxol") and docetaxel ("Taxotere "), nearly always cause complete alopecia when given in a third weekly schedule, but hair loss is less frequent when the drugs are given in a weekly schedule. Certain other drugs, like Novantrone, cause hair loss in about 20 per cent of cases.
How long after starting Taxol does hair fall out?
What should you expect? Hair usually begins falling out two to four weeks after you start treatment. It could fall out very quickly in clumps or gradually. You'll likely notice accumulations of loose hair on your pillow, in your hairbrush or comb, or in your sink or shower drain.
Why is Taxol given weekly?
The rationale for dose-dense weekly paclitaxel in the treatment of breast cancer is that more frequent delivery of more moderate doses may achieve greater efficacy than larger doses given less often through more sustained exposure of dividing tumor cells to cytotoxic drugs.
Can hair grow back while on Taxol?
Patients undergoing chemotherapy with Taxol (paclitaxel) are able to regrow their hair after their course of treatment is completed. However, with Taxotere, the hair loss can be permanent.
How does Taxol make you feel?
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, muscle/joint pain, numbness/tingling/burning of the hands/feet, flushing, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly. Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.
What should I eat while on Taxol?
Your oncology team can recommend medications to relieve diarrhea. Also, try eating low-fiber, bland foods, such as white rice and boiled or baked chicken. Avoid raw fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, cereals and seeds. Soluble fiber is found in some foods and absorbs fluid, which can help relieve diarrhea.
Is Taxol called the Red Devil?
“It's also known as the 'red devil' because it is red in colour and extremely toxic,” she adds. This was followed by two sessions of Taxol chemotherapy over two months, every 22 days.
Which is stronger Taxol or Taxotere?
According to an article recently published in the Annals of Oncology, longer follow-up results indicate that the chemotherapy agent Taxotere® (docetaxel) remains superior to the chemotherapy agent Taxol® (paclitaxel) in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer among patients who have received prior therapy with ...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Overdose symptoms may include numbness or tingling, fever, chills, mouth sores, unusual bleeding or weakness, or any signs of infection.
What Other Drugs Will Affect Taxol?
There are many other medicines that can interact with Taxol. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use....
What Does My Medication Look like?
1. Taxol is available with a prescription under the brand names Onxol and Taxol. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask you...
How is taxol given?
How Taxol Is Given: Taxol is given as an injection or infusion into the vein (intravenous, IV). Taxol is an irritant. An irritant is a chemical that can cause inflammation of the vein through which it is given. If the medication escapes from the vein it can cause tissue damage.
What is the amount of taxol given?
The amount of Taxol and the schedule that it is given will receive depend on many factors, including your height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition being treated. Your doctor will determine your dose and schedule.
What is the name of the plant that makes taxol?
Plant alkaloids are made from plants. The vinca alkaloids are made from the periwinkle plant (catharanthus rosea). The taxanes are made from the bark of the Pacific Yew tree (taxus).
What is taxol chemo?
What is Taxol? Taxol is an anti-cancer ("antineoplastic" or "cytotoxic") chemotherapy drug . Taxol is classified as a "plant alkaloid," a "taxane" and an "antimicrotubule agent." (For more detail, see "How Taxol Works" section below).
Why do you have to take medication with taxol?
Because severe allergic reactions have occurred in some people taking Taxol, you will be asked to take medications to help prevent a reaction. Your doctor will prescribe the exact regimen.
Can you take aspirin before taking Taxol?
Before starting Taxol treatment, make sure you tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal remedies, etc.). Do not take aspirin, or products containing aspirin unless your doctor specifically permits this.
Does taxol have side effects?
Taxol side effects are almost always reversible and will go away after treatment is complete. There are many options to help minimize or prevent Taxol side effects. There is no relationship between the presence or severity of Taxol side effects and the effectiveness of the medication. The Taxol side effects and their severity vary depending on ...
How often can you take taxol?
It can be given as high-dose chemo, once every two or three weeks, or in low doses once a week. In some cases, Taxol is given slowly over the course of 24 hours.
How does taxol help cancer cells grow?
Taxol is a mitotic inhibitor: It targets rapidly growing cancer cells by getting inside them and attaching to the scaffold-like structures of the cells called microtubules. In this way, the drug prevents cancer cells from dividing.
How long after chemo can you give Neulasta?
These must be given at least 24 hours after your chemotherapy infusion has been completed, but early enough to stimulate formation of white blood cells before they hit their lowest point (called the nadir). 5
What cancers can you treat with taxol?
Besides breast cancer and ovarian cancer, Taxol can be used to treat several other types of cancer, including lung cancer and Kaposi's sarcoma, a rare type of skin cancer that affects people with AIDS. 2
Why do you give Benadryl before Taxol?
Medications such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) are given before and during infusion of Taxol to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. 3
What amino acid is used in Taxol?
Before you begin treatment with Taxol, your doctor will probably have you take supplements of an amino acid called L-glutamine to reduce your risk of neuropathy.
Is taxol a cyclophosphamide?
Indications. Taxol is an especially versatile drug. It is used for breast cancer in the early stages as well as for metastatic breast cancer. Typically, it is given after combination Adriamycin (doxorubicin), an anthracycline, and Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) therapy.
How long does it take for Taxol to work?
After failure of initial chemotherapy for metastatic disease or relapse within 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy, Taxol at a dose of 175 mg/m 2 administered intravenously over 3 hours every 3 weeks has been shown to be effective.
What are the reactions to taxol?
Injection site reactions, including reactions secondary to extravasation, were usually mild and consisted of erythema, tenderness, skin discoloration, or swelling at the injection site. These reactions have been observed more frequently with the 24-hour infusion than with the 3-hour infusion. Recurrence of skin reactions at a site of previous extravasation following administration of Taxol at a different site, ie, “recall,” has been reported.
How long is Taxol stable?
Unopened vials of Taxol (paclitaxel) Injection are stable until the date indicated on the package when stored between 20°–25° C (68°–77° F), in the original package. Neither freezing nor refrigeration adversely affects the stability of the product. Upon refrigeration, components in the Taxol vial may precipitate, but will redissolve upon reaching room temperature with little or no agitation. There is no impact on product quality under these circumstances. If the solution remains cloudy or if an insoluble precipitate is noted, the vial should be discarded. Solutions for infusion prepared as recommended are stable at ambient temperature (approximately 25° C) and lighting conditions for up to 27 hours.
How to dispose of anticancer drugs?
1–4 To minimize the risk of dermal exposure, always wear impervious gloves when handling vials containing Taxol Injection. If Taxol solution contacts the skin, wash the skin immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. Following topical exposure, events have included tingling, burning, and redness. If Taxol contacts mucous membranes, the membranes should be flushed thoroughly with water. Upon inhalation, dyspnea, chest pain, burning eyes, sore throat, and nausea have been reported.
What is the binding concentration of Paclitaxel?
In vitro studies of binding to human serum proteins, using paclitaxel concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 50 µg/mL, indicate that between 89 to 98% of drug is bound; the presence of cimetidine, ranitidine, dexamethasone, or diphenhydramine did not affect protein binding of paclitaxel.
Does taxol cause anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis and severe hypersensitivity reactions characterized by dyspnea and hypotension requiring treatment, angioedema, and generalized urticaria have occurred in 2 to 4% of patients receiving Taxol in clinical trials. Fatal reactions have occurred in patients despite premedication. All patients should be pretreated with corticosteroids, diphenhydramine, and H 2 antagonists. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .) Patients who experience severe hypersensitivity reactions to Taxol should not be rechallenged with the drug.
Is taxol a contraindication?
Taxol is contraindicated in patients who have a history of hypersensitivity reactions to Taxol or other drugs formulated in Cremophor ® EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil).
Where is paclitaxel given?
Paclitaxel is given into a vein (intravenously). This will usually be as a drip, also called an infusion, into your hand or arm. Other intravenous methods may be used depending on factors such as how easy it is for the chemotherapy team to find suitable veins, and your preferences.
When to give paclitaxel after breast surgery?
Paclitaxel is given after surgery to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back in the future. It usually starts within a few weeks of your operation.
How many cycles of paclitaxel for breast cancer?
For primary breast cancer three to six treatment cycles are usually given. For locally advanced and secondary breast cancer the number of cycles will vary depending on the individual. 5. Side effects of paclitaxel. Like any treatment, paclitaxel can cause side effects. Everyone reacts differently to drugs and some people have more side effects ...
How long does it take for paclitaxel to cause hair loss?
Paclitaxel causes hair loss. Most people will lose all their hair, including eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair. You may begin to lose your hair about two weeks after the first treatment, but it can happen earlier. Hair loss is usually gradual, but it can happen very quickly, possibly over a couple of days.
What happens before starting paclitaxel?
Before starting paclitaxel. Before starting your treatment most hospitals will arrange a chemotherapy information session. At this appointment a nurse will discuss how and when your chemotherapy will be given and how side effects can be managed.
Is paclitaxel used for breast cancer?
Paclitaxel is used to treat people with primary breast cancer (cancer that has not spread beyond the breast or the lymph nodes under the arm) in combination with other drugs. It might also be given as part of a clinical trial for primary breast cancer.
Does Paclitaxel cause side effects?
Like any treatment, paclitaxel can cause side effects. Everyone reacts differently to drugs and some people have more side effects than others. These side effects can usually be managed and those described here will not affect everyone.
How to administer taxol?
TAXOL should be administered through an in-line filter with a microporous membrane not greater than 0.22 microns. Use of filter devices such as IVEX-2® filters which incorporate short inlet and outlet PVC-coated tubing has not resulted in significant leaching of DEHP. 1
What is taxol used for?
TAXOL is indicated for the second-line treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma.
How many neutrophils are needed for taxol?
2) Initiate or repeat treatment with TAXOL only if the neutrophil count is at least 1000 cells/mm3;
How long does it take to relapse from TAXOL?
TAXOL is indicated for the treatment of breast cancer after failure of combination chemotherapy for metastatic disease or relapse within 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy. Prior therapy should have included an anthracycline unless clinically contraindicated.
What is the molecular weight of paclitaxel?
Paclitaxel is a white to off-white crystalline powder with the empirical formula C47H51NO14 and a molecular weight of 853.9. It is highly lipophilic, insoluble in water, and melts at around 216–217° C.
Can taxol be given to patients with AIDS?
TAXOL therapy should not be given to patients with solid tumors who have baseline neutrophil counts of less than 1500 cells/mm3 and should not be given to patients with AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma if the baseline neutrophil count is less than 1000 cells/mm3.
Does taxol cause anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis and severe hypersensitivity reactions characterized by dyspnea and hypotension requiring treatment, angioedema, and generalized urticaria have occurred in 2 to 4% of patients receiving TAXOL in clinical trials. Fatal reactions have occurred in patients despite premedication. All patients should be pretreated with corticosteroids, diphenhydramine, and H2 antagonists. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.) Patients who experience severe hypersensitivity reactions to TAXOL should not be rechallenged with the drug.
How often do women get taxol?
In this study of 5,000 women, more women who received Taxol once a week were likely to be alive and free of breast cancer 5 years after being diagnosed compared to women who received Taxol every 3 weeks OR women who received Taxotere (either weekly or every 3 weeks). All the women received Adriamycin (chemical name: doxorubicin) ...
How long after breast cancer diagnosis is taxol safe?
The women who got Taxol every week were 27% more likely to be alive and free of breast cancer 5 years after diagnosis compared to those who received the standard Taxol treatment schedule. The women who got Taxol every week also were more likely to be alive 5 years after diagnosis compared to women who got Taxotere (either weekly or every 3 weeks).
What is the name of the drug that is used to treat breast cancer?
All the women received Adriamycin (chemical name: doxorubicin) and Cytoxan (chemical name: cyclophosphamide) before receiving either Taxol or Taxotere. For women diagnosed with early-stage, lymph-node-positive breast cancer, treatment often includes chemotherapy with Adriamycin and Cytoxan followed by a taxane.
Does taxane help with breast cancer?
Some doctors have wondered whether a taxane has benefits for women diagnosed with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. This study found that women diagnosed with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer did benefit from getting a taxane.
Where is paclitaxel given?
Paclitaxel is given as an injection or infusion into the vein (intravenous, IV).
What is paclitaxel used for?
What Paclitaxel Is Used For: Treatment of breast, ovarian, lung, bladder, prostate, melanoma, esophageal, as well as other types of solid tumor cancers. It has also been used in Kaposi's sarcoma.
What is the class of paclitaxel?
Different drugs may affect different parts of the body. Paclitaxel belongs to a class of chemotherapy drugs called plant alkaloids. Plant alkaloids are made from plants. The vinca alkaloids are made from the periwinkle plant (catharanthus rosea). The taxanes are made from the bark of the Pacific Yew tree (taxus).
What happens if you take paclitaxel with hives?
Hypersensitivity reaction. Fever, facial flushing, chills, shortness of breath, or hives after Paclitaxel is given (see allergic reaction). The majority of these reactions occur within the first 10 minutes of an infusion.
Why is chemotherapy given in cycles?
The scheduling of chemotherapy is set based on the type of cells, rate at which they divide, and the time at which a given drug is likely to be effective. This is why chemotherapy is typically given in cycles. Chemotherapy is most effective at killing cells that are rapidly dividing.
How does chemotherapy work?
Usually, the drugs work by damaging the RNA or DNA that tells the cell how to copy itself in division.
How long does it take for pain to go away after paclitaxel?
Hair loss. Arthralgias and myalgias , pain in the joints and muscles. (see pain) Usually temporary occurring 2 to 3 days after Paclitaxel, and resolve within a few days.
When Taxol Is Used
Paclitaxel is used to treat various types of cancer.
Status: Discontinued
May Treat: Kaposi's sarcoma · Locally advanced breast carcinoma · Malignancy · Malignant neoplasm of the ovary · Metastatic breast carcinoma and more
Alternate Brand Names: Onxol
Drug Class: Antineoplastic - Taxanes
Availability: Prescription Required
Status: Discontinued
May Treat: Kaposi's sarcoma · Locally advanced breast carcinoma · Malignancy · Malignant neoplasm of the ovary · Metastatic breast carcinoma and more
Alternate Brand Names: Onxol
Drug Class: Antineoplastic - Taxanes
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult your doctor. This medication may be harmful to an unborn child.
Lactation: This drug should not be given to breastfeeding mothers
Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
Manufacturer: BMS ONCO/IMMUN
- Call Dr now if swelling, rash or breathing problem
- Call MD for fatigue/sore throat/infection/bleeding
- Avoid pregnancy, causing pregnancy or nursing.
- Call Dr now if swelling, rash or breathing problem
- Call MD for fatigue/sore throat/infection/bleeding
- Avoid pregnancy, causing pregnancy or nursing.
- If available, read the patient package insert
- Tell RN or Dr. about pain at injection site
- Call Dr. if bloody nose, gums or bruising occur
- Avoid live vaccines and newly vaccinated people.
- Stay away from sick people
How Taxol Works
Preparation and Dosing
Side Effects
Risks and Contraindications
Summary
- All cells, including tumor cells, multiply by a process called mitosis, the scientific name for cell division. Taxol works as a mitotic inhibitor, targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells to prevent the tumor from growing.2 It does so by getting inside the cells and attaching to scaffold-like structures called microtubules, interfering with their function.3 Taxol can affect any of the rapidl…
A Word from Verywell
- Taxol is a clear, colorless fluid that is mixed with Cremophor EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil) and given by intravenous (in a vein) infusion. You will typically receive your infusion at a hospital or clinic.3 Doctors can prescribe Taxol in several ways, including: 1. Once every two or three weeks 2. Once a week 3. Slowly over 24 hours Your Taxol d...
Taxol Description
- Most people tolerate Taxol well, especially in low doses. However, it does have side effects, including:43 1. Peripheral neuropathy(nerve damage) 2. Anemia(low red blood cells) 3. Neutropenia(low white blood cells) 4. Bone and muscle aches 5. Hair loss 6. Fatigue 7. Nausea 8. Vomiting 9. Mild diarrhea 10. Amenorrhea(absence of menstruation)
Taxol - Clinical Pharmacology
- To avoid risky interactions, your medical team may advise you not to drink alcohol. You may also receive recommendations to avoid certain medications if you take any medications that could interact with Taxol. Taxol comes with some risks and is not recommended for everyone.
Clinical Studies
- Taxol is a chemotherapy medication that treats breast cancer, ovarian cancer, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, sarcomas and other malignancies. It is common to experience side effects like vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and nerve damage while taking Taxol. Some of these side effects can be prevented or lessened through supplements and medications. Chemotherapy drugs are p…
Indications and Usage For Taxol
- As with any form of chemotherapy, Taxol can take a toll on your energy. Try to eat healthily, exercise when possible, and get adequate rest during treatment. In addition, learn to ask for and accept help. Finally, keep in mind that one of the most common complaints from people who have a loved one coping with cancer is a sense of helplessness. Therefore, allowing your loved one t…
Contraindications
Warnings
Precautions
Adverse Reactions
- Taxol is indicated as first-line and subsequent therapy for the treatment of advanced carcinoma of the ovary. As first-line therapy, Taxol is indicated in combination with cisplatin. Taxol is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of node-positive breast cancer administered sequentially to standard doxorubicin-containing combination chemotherapy. In ...
Overdosage
Taxol Dosage and Administration