
Precautions
Docetaxel 1 Docetaxel is used to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer,... 2 Important Information. Docetaxel can cause severe side effects including death,... 3 Before taking this medicine. Tell your doctor about your complete health history... 4 Docetaxel is given as an infusion into a vein.
What is docetaxel used for?
If the area of injection becomes red, swollen, or painful at any time during or after the injection, notify your care team immediately. Do not apply anything to the site unless instructed by your care team. There are a number of things you can do to manage the side effects of docetaxel. Talk to your care team about these recommendations.
What should I do to manage the side effects of docetaxel?
Docetaxel was administered as a 1-hour infusion; all other drugs were given as intravenous bolus on day 1. In both arms, after the last cycle of chemotherapy, patients with positive estrogen and/or progesterone receptors received tamoxifen 20 mg daily for up to 5 years.
How is docetaxel administered in chemotherapy?

What type of treatment is docetaxel?
Docetaxel is a chemotherapy drug. Chemotherapy is a treatment that destroys cancer cells using anti-cancer drugs. Docetaxel is the non-branded name of the drug, but you may hear it called by one of its brand names such as Taxotere.
Is docetaxel systemic therapy?
Docetaxel, cisplatin, and trastuzumab as primary systemic therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive locally advanced breast cancer.
How long can you stay on docetaxel?
The median overall survival (OS) was 81 months with docetaxel plus standard of care (hormonal therapy with or without radiotherapy) versus 71 months with standard of care alone (0.78; 95% CI, 0.66-0·93;P= . 006).
What does docetaxel do to cancer cells?
Docetaxel works by disrupting the microtubular network in cells, which is essential for cell division and other normal cellular functions. Docetaxel interferes with the function of microtubules, resulting in inactive microtubule bundles, causing cells to die.
What is the success rate of docetaxel?
Combination of docetaxel with one other antineoplastic resulted in objective response rates of 20 to 54% in chemotherapy-naive patients; triple chemotherapy combinations produced responses in 51 and 60% of patients.
Is docetaxel a strong chemotherapy?
Because the active ingredient, docetaxel, is a strong chemotherapy drug, it also has a long list of side effects. Most of them are typical for drugs in this class, such as nausea, vomiting and temporary alopecia (hair loss).
What is the most common side effect of docetaxel?
The most common adverse reactions across all TAXOTERE indications are infections, neutropenia, anemia, febrile neutropenia, hypersensitivity, thrombocytopenia, neuropathy, dysgeusia, dyspnea, constipation, anorexia, nail disorders, fluid retention, asthenia, pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, mucositis, alopecia, skin ...
Does hair grow back on docetaxel?
Real hair may start to grow properly within 4–6 weeks. However, some people who undergo chemotherapy experience permanent hair loss, research shows. Certain drugs, such as docetaxel (Taxotere), can have this effect.
How many cycles of docetaxel can you have?
In a clinical trial of docetaxel for CRPC, the frequencies of PN were 32% [1] (maximum 10 cycles) and 41% (maximum 12 cycles) [17]. Considering the results of the present study, the incidence of PN with docetaxel is higher in patients with CRPC than in those with other cancers.
Does docetaxel affect vision?
Tell your doctor right away if you have vision changes, such as blurred vision, difficulty reading, or eye pain with this medicine. These could be symptoms of a serious eye problem called cystoid macular edema.
What is doxorubicin hydrochloride used for?
It is also used with doxorubicin hydrochloride and cyclophosphamide to treat breast cancer that is node-positive and can be removed by surgery. Non-small cell lung cancer that is locally advanced or has metastasized. It is used: Alone in patients whose cancer has not gotten better after platinum chemotherapy; or.
Is the drug information on this page educational?
Important: The drug information on this page is meant to be educational. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information may not cover all possible uses, actions, interactions, or side effects of this drug, or precautions to be taken while using it. Please see your health care professional for more information about your specific medical condition and the use of this drug.
Is docetaxel used for cancer?
It is used in patients whose disease has not been treated with chemotherapy. Docetaxel is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.
Can you use docetaxel alone?
Use in Cancer. Docetaxel is approved to be used alone or with other drugs to treat: Breast cancer that is locally advanced or has metastasized (spread to other parts of the body) and has not gotten better with other chemotherapy.
What is the trade name for docetaxel?
Chemocare.com uses generic drug names in all descriptions of drugs. Taxotere is the trade name for docetaxel. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name taxotere when referring to the generic drug name docetaxel.
How does chemo kill cancer cells?
The ability of chemotherapy to kill cancer cells depends on its ability to halt cell division. Usually, the drugs work by damaging the RNA or DNA that tells the cell how to copy itself in division. If the cells are unable to divide, they die. The faster the cells are dividing, the more likely it is that chemotherapy will kill the cells, causing the tumor to shrink. They also induce cell suicide (self-death or apoptosis).
How do cancerous cells stop dividing?
Cancerous tumors are characterized by cell division, which is no longer controlled as it is in normal tissue. "Normal" cells stop dividing when they come into contact with like cells, a mechanism known as contact inhibition. Cancerous cells lose this ability. Cancer cells no longer have the normal checks and balances in place that control and limit cell division. The process of cell division, whether normal or cancerous cells, is through the cell cycle. The cell cycle goes from the resting phase, through active growing phases, and then to mitosis (division).
What does nadir mean in chemo?
Nadir: Meaning low point, nadir is the point in time between chemotherapy cycles in which you experience low blood counts.
Can docetaxel cause nail fall off?
Nail changes (Color changes to your fingernails or toenails may occur while taking docetaxel. In extreme, but rare, cases nails may fall off. After you have finished docetaxel treatments, your nails will generally grow back) (see skin problems).
Is docetaxel an anti-cancer drug?
Drug type: Docetaxel is an anti-cancer ("antineoplastic" or "cytotoxic") chemotherapy drug. This medication is classified as a "plant alkaloid," a "taxane" and an "antimicrotubule agent." (For more detail, see "How this drug works" section below).
What is docetaxel injection?
Docetaxel Injection in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, including adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, who have not received prior chemotherapy for advanced disease.
What is the chemical name for docetaxel?
The chemical name for Docetaxel is (2R,3S)-N-carboxy-3-phenylisoserine,N- tert -butyl ester , 13-ester with 5β-20-epoxy-1,2α,4,7β,10β,13α-hexahydroxytax-11-en-9-one 4-acetate 2-benzoate. Docetaxel (anhydrous) has the following structural formula:
What is docetaxel made of?
Docetaxel is an antineoplastic agent belonging to the taxoid family. It is prepared by semisynthesis beginning with a precursor extracted from the renewable needle biomass of yew plants. The chemical name for Docetaxel is (2R,3S)-N-carboxy-3-phenylisoserine,N- tert -butyl ester, 13-ester with 5β-20-epoxy-1,2α,4,7β,10β,13α-hexahydroxytax-11-en-9-one 4-acetate 2-benzoate. Docetaxel (anhydrous) has the following structural formula:
How long does it take to take Docetaxel infusion?
For gastric adenocarcinoma, the recommended dose of Docetaxel Injection is 75 mg/m 2 as a 1 hour intravenous infusion, followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m 2, as a 1 to 3 hour intravenous infusion (both on day 1 only), followed by fluorouracil 750 mg/m 2 per day given as a 24-hour continuous intravenous infusion for 5 days, starting at the end of the cisplatin infusion. Treatment is repeated every three weeks. Patients must receive premedication with antiemetics and appropriate hydration for cisplatin administration [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2.7) ].
What is the treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck?
Docetaxel Injection in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil is indicated for the induction treatment of patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).
How long does it take to take cisplatin for gastric adenocarcinoma?
For gastric adenocarcinoma, the recommended dose of Docetaxel Injection is 75 mg/m 2 as a 1 hour intravenous infusion, followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m 2, as a 1 to 3 hour intravenous infusion (both on day 1 only), followed by fluorouracil 750 mg/m 2 per day given as a 24-hour continuous intravenous infusion for 5 days, starting at the end of the cisplatin infusion. Treatment is repeated every three weeks. Patients must receive premedication with antiemetics and appropriate hydration for cisplatin administration [ see Dosage and Administration (2.7) ].
How long before Docetaxel injection for prostate cancer?
For metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, given the concurrent use of prednisone, the recommended premedication regimen is oral dexamethasone 8 mg at 12 hours, 3 hours, and 1 hour before the Docetaxel Injection infusion [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5) ].
How does docetaxel work?
Docetaxel works by damaging the structure or the “skeleton” that supports cancer cells. Docetaxel (Taxotere) is a type of human-made taxane chemotherapy medicine. It was first made from yew tree needles.
What is docetaxel made of?
Docetaxel(Taxotere) is a type of human-made taxanechemotherapymedicine. It was first made from yew tree needles. Docetaxel is used with other medicines to treat some types of breast cancer. How Docetaxel Works. Docetaxelworks by damaging the structure or the “skeleton” that supports cancer cells.
Does docetaxel cause numbness in feet?
Neuropathy(numbness or tingling in the hands and feet) Neutropenia(a low number of a type of white blood cell) Rash. Nail changes. Because docetaxel can decrease your blood cellcounts, called bone marrow suppression, your doctors will test your blood counts regularly.
Can docetaxel be used for breast cancer?
Docetaxelmay be used in chemotherapy treatment regimens for most types of invasive breast cancer, including triple- negative breast cancer. It can be used with targeted therapy, such as trastuzumab(Herceptin), in treating HER2-positive breast cancers.
Can you take Docetaxel with chemotherapy?
It can also be given with the chemotherapy medicines doxorubicin(Adriamycin) and cyclophosphamide(Cytoxan) after surgeryas adjuvant treatment or as neoadjuvant (before surgery) treatment for breast cancers that require chemotherapy. Docetaxel is sometimes given alone for metastatic breast cancer. How Docetaxel Is Given.
How it works
Chemotherapy works by destroying quickly dividing cells, such as cancer cells.
Drugs into your bloodstream
You might have the treatment through a drip into your arm. Your nurse puts a small tube (a cannula) into one of your veins and connects the drip to it.
When you have docetaxel
Each treatment takes about an hour and you have it once every 3 weeks.
Tests
You have blood tests before and during your treatment. They check your levels of blood cells and other substances in the blood. They also check how well your liver and kidneys are working.
Side effects
We haven't listed all the side effects. It's very unlikely that you will have all of these side effects, but you might have some of them at the same time.
Common side effects
These side effects happen in more than 10 in 100 people (more than 10%). You might have one or more of them. They include:
Occasional side effects
These side effects happen in between 1 and 10 out of every 100 people (between 1 and 10%). You might have one or more of them. They include:
How does Docetaxel work?
It works by disrupting the normal function of microtubules and thereby stopping cell division. Docetaxel was patented in 1986 and approved for medical use in 1995. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Docetaxel is available as a generic medication.
When was Docetaxel first used?
Docetaxel was patented in 1986 and approved for medical use in 1995. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Docetaxel is available as a generic medication.
What is the name of the drug that is used to treat cancer?
Docetaxel. Docetaxel ( DTX or DXL ), sold under the brand name Taxotere among others, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of types of cancer. This includes breast cancer, head and neck cancer, stomach cancer, prostate cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer.
What is the best medicine for breast cancer?
Other medications will often be given to aid pain management and other symptoms. The treatment of breast cancer with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide is enhanced by adjuvant treatment with docetaxel. Docetaxel is also used in combination with capecitabine, a DNA synthesis inhibitor.
What is DTX used for?
Docetaxel ( DTX or DXL ), sold under the brand name Taxotere among others, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of types of cancer. This includes breast cancer, head and neck cancer, stomach cancer, prostate cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer. It may be used by itself or along with other chemotherapy medication.
Where is docetaxel metabolized?
Docetaxel is mainly metabolised in the liver by the cytochrome P450 CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 subfamilies of isoenzymes. Metabolism is principally oxidative and at the tert-butylpropionate side chain, resulting first in an alcohol docetaxel (M2), which is then cyclised to three further metabolites (M1, M3 and M4). M1 and M3 are two diastereomeric hydroxyoxazolidinones and M4 is an oxazolidinedione. Phase II trials of 577 patients showed docetaxel clearance is related to body surface area and to hepatic enzyme and alpha1 acid glycoprotein plasma levels. The following model represents docetaxel clearance in humans:
What are the drugs that interact with Docetaxel?
Drug interactions may be the result of altered pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics due to one of the drugs involved. Cisplatin, dexamethasone, doxorubicin, etoposide, and vinblastine are all potentially co-administered with docetaxel and did not modify docetaxel plasma binding in phase II studies.
How does docetaxel work?
Docetaxel works by disrupting the microtubular network in cells, which is essential for cell division and other normal cellular functions. Docetaxel interferes with the function of microtubules, resulting in inactive microtubule bundles, causing cells to die.
How to deal with fatigue after cancer treatment?
While on cancer treatment, and for a period after, you may need to adjust your schedule to manage fatigue. Plan times to rest during the day and conserve energy for more important activities. Exercise can help combat fatigue; a simple daily walk with a friend can help. Talk to your healthcare team for helpful tips on dealing with this side effect.
Can docetaxel cause liver problems?
This medication can cause severe side effects if given to a patient whose liver function is abnormal. Your labs will be closely monitored prior to each dose of docetaxel and the dose may be decreased or held if your liver function is not normal.
Can you give a corticosteroid before a cancer infusion?
The dosage and schedule are determined by the person's size and type of cancer. It can be given alone or with other drugs. You will be given a corticosteroid prior to the infusion to prevent severe fluid retention and allergic reactions.
Can docetaxel cause swelling?
Docetaxel can cause your body to hold too much fluid, which can be a serious side effect. Medications will be given before each treatment to decrease the risk of this side effect. Call your healthcare provider if you do not urinate for more than 12 hours, experience shortness of breath, have an unexpected weight gain, or develop swelling in your hands, feet, ankles or legs.
What is docetaxel?
Docetaxel is used to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, and head/ neck cancer.
How is docetaxel given?
Docetaxel is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
What are the possible side effects of docetaxel?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling; fever, sore throat, wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing; feeling like you might pass out; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
What is the most important information I should know about docetaxel?
Docetaxel can cause severe side effects including death, especially if you receive high doses, if you have liver disease, or if you have non-small cell lung cancer and you have been treated in the past with chemotherapy that contains platinum ( cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin ).
What other drugs will affect docetaxel?
Docetaxel contains alcohol. Using other drugs that can make you sleepy can worsen the feeling of being drunk. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
What is docetaxel used for?
Descriptions. Docetaxel injection is used to treat advanced or metastatic (cancer that has spread) breast cancer in patients who have previously received other cancer medicines that did not work well. It is also used together with other medicines (eg, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin) to treat node-positive breast cancer that can be removed by surgery.
What is the best treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck?
Docetaxel injection is also used together with cisplatin and fluorouracil as first treatment for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).
Does docetaxel affect normal cells?
It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body. Since the growth of normal cells may also be affected by docetaxel, other unwanted effects will also occur . This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Can you take prednisone and docetaxel together?
Docetaxel injection is also used together with prednisone to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (prostate cancer that has spread and is resistant to medical or surgical treatments that lower testosterone).
