Taxotere

 
Generic Name: docetaxel

Brands: Taxotere

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

· Taxotere 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 Taxotere 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); severe fluid retention; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with Taxotere.

 

What is Taxotere?

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

· Taxotere is used in the treatment of certain forms of breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer.

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

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Taxotere?

· Do not use Taxotere without first talking to your doctor if you have     ·had an allergic reaction to Taxotere or other drugs formulated with polysorbate 80 in the past;     ·liver disease;     ·fluid retention or swelling problems;     ·heart problems such as congestive heart failure; or     ·poor bone marrow function.

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

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

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

· The safety and effectiveness of Taxotere in children has not been established.

 

How should I use Taxotere?

· Taxotere 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 Taxotere 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 Taxotere to monitor progress and side effects.

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

· Your healthcare provider will store Taxotere as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing Taxotere 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 Taxotere.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· If an overdose of Taxotere is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

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

 

What should I avoid while using Taxotere?

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

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

 

What are the possible side effects of Taxotere?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects from Taxotere, 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; or fever, chills, or signs of infection);     ·tissue or vein reactions near the site of administration;     ·liver damage (abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes);     ·severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite;     ·swelling of the feet, ankles or abdomen;      ·difficulty breathing;     ·skin redness or peeling;     ·fever, chills, or other signs of infection; or     ·nerve problems such as burning, pricking or tingling.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking Taxotere and talk to your doctor if you experience:     ·feelings of tiredness or weakness;     ·mouth sores;     ·mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite;     ·temporary hair loss; or     ·fingernail or toenail disorders.

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

 

What other drugs will affect Taxotere?

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

· Many other medications may interact with Taxotere. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?

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

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