PACLITAXEL

Brand & Generic Names

Taxol

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antineoplastic

Uses

Treats ovarian cancer, breast cancer and some lung cancers.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Injection--Administered only by a doctor or under the supervision of a doctor.

When to take:
Your doctor will determine the schedule. Usually the drug is infused over a 24-hour period at 21-day intervals. Other drugs may be given prior to paclitaxel injection to help prevent adverse effects.

If you forget a dose:
Not a concern since drug is administered by a doctor.

What drug does:
Interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed.

Time lapse before drug works:
Results may not show for several weeks or months.

Don't take with:
Any other prescription or non-prescription drug without consulting your doctor.
See Interaction section and consult doctor.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None expected.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose is unlikely. You will be monitored by medical personnel during the time of the infusion.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Anaphylatic reaction Emergency care will be provided. soon after an injection (hives, rash, intense itching, faintness, breathing difficulty)

Common:

• Paleness, tiredness, flushing of face, skin rash or itching, short- ness of breath, fever, chills, cough or hoarse- ness, back or side pain, difficult or painful urination, unusual bleeding or bruising, black or tarry stools, blood in stool or urine, pinpoint red spots on skin, bleeding gums, delayed wound healing.
• Pain in joints or muscles; diarrhea; nausea and vomiting; numbness, burning or tingling in hands or feet.
• Loss of hair (should regrow after treatment).

Infrequent:

Heart rhythm disturb- ances, chest pain.

Rare:

Pain or redness at injection site, mouth or lip sores.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to paclitaxel.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have an infection or any other medical problem.
• If you have or recently had chickenpox or herpes zoster (shingles).
• If you have heart problems.
• If you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant.
• If you have had radiation therapy or previously taken anticancer drugs.

Over age 60:
No problems expected.

Pregnancy:
Animal studies show fetal abnormalities and increased risk of abortion. Discuss with your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:
Not known if drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Safety and effectiveness of use in children not established.

Prolonged use:
Not recommended for long-term use.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Avoid if you feel side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

Discontinuing:
Your doctor will determine the schedule.

Others:

• Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.
• May affect the results in some medical tests.
• Do not have any immunizations (vaccinations) without doctor's approval. Other household members should not take oral polio vaccine. It could pass the polio virus on to you. Avoid any contact with persons who have taken oral polio vaccine.
• Possible delayed effects (including some types of cancers) may occur months to years after use. Your doctor should discuss with you all risks involving this drug.
• You will have increased risk of infections. Take extra precautions (hand washing), and avoid people with infections. Avoid crowds if possible. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs or symptoms of infection.
• Use care in the use of toothbrushes, dental floss and toothpicks. Talk to your medical doctor before you have dental work done.
• Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose without carefully washing your hands first.
• Avoid activities (e.g., contact sports) that could cause bruising or injury.
• Avoid cutting yourself when using a safety razor, fingernail or toenail clippers.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
-------------------------	-----------------------
Blood dyscrasia-	Increased risk of paclitaxel toxicity.
Bone marrow	Increased risk of paclitaxel toxicity.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.