Onxol

 
Generic Name: paclitaxel

Brands: Onxol, Taxol

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What is the most important information I should know about Onxol?

· Onxol should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

· Serious side effects have been reported with the use of Onxol including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection); numbness or tingling; irregular heartbeats; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with Onxol.

 

What is Onxol?

· Onxol is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Onxol interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

· Onxol is used in the treatment breast, ovary and lung cancers, and AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

· Onxol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Onxol?

· Do not take Onxol without first talking to your doctor if you have     ·had an allergic reaction to other drugs that contain polyoxyethylated castor oil (Cremophor EL) such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune) or teniposide (Vumon);     ·liver disease;     ·heart disease; or     ·poor bone marrow function.

· The use of Onxol may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Onxol is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Onxol is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Onxol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with Onxol if either you or your partner is of childbearing potential.

· It is not known whether Onxol passes into breast milk. Do not take Onxol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

 

How should I use Onxol?

· Onxol should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

· Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with Onxol depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

· Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with Onxol to monitor progress and side effects.

· Skin accidentally exposed to Onxol should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

· Your healthcare provider will store Onxol as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing Onxol at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Onxol.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· If for any reason an overdose of Onxol is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

· Symptoms of a Onxol overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

 

What should I avoid while using Onxol?

· Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with Onxol. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with Onxol.

· Skin accidentally exposed to Onxol should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

 

What are the possible side effects of Onxol?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects from Onxol, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:     ·an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection);     ·liver damage (abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes); or     ·severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;     ·numbness or tingling; or     ·irregular heartbeats.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking Onxol and talk to your doctor if you experience:     ·tissue or vein reactions near the site of administration;     ·joint or muscle pain;     ·sores in the mouth;     ·hair loss; or     ·mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.

· Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment with Onxol.

 

What other drugs will affect Onxol?

· Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with Onxol. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with Onxol.

· Onxol can interact with many other medications, including other chemotherapy drugs. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with Onxol.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your healthcare provider may have additional information about Onxol that you may read.

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