Drugs >  Paclitaxel
Paclitaxel
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(PAK li taks el)

Brand Names
Onxol™; Taxol®

Therapeutic Categories
Antineoplastic Agent, Natural Source (Plant) Derivative

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

This medicine is very strong. Allergic reactions can occur. It can prevent your bone marrow from making some of the cells that your body needs. You will need weekly blood work to watch for side effects. Tell healthcare provider right away about any fever, sore throat, signs of infection, bleeding, shortness of breath, or feeling tired.


Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to paclitaxel or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have bone marrow disease.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.

  • What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat a variety of cancers.

  • How does it work?
  • Paclitaxel injures cancer cells causing their death.

  • How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.
  • Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

  • What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • Call healthcare provider for appointment.

  • What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before using aspirin, aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.
  • You will bleed easily. Be careful. Avoid injury. Use soft toothbrush, electric razor.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Be careful about taking vaccinations while you are receiving this medicine.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
  • If you are a male and sexually active, protect your partner from pregnancy. Use birth control that you can trust.

  • What are the common side effects of this medicine?
  • Fever, chills, itching, hives, chest pain or pressure, or shortness of breath during infusion.
  • Risk of infection. Avoid crowds and people with infections, colds, or flu.
  • Feeling tired or weak.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Mouth and lip irritation. Frequent mouth care with a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs and rinsing mouth may help.
  • Hair loss. Hair usually grows back when medicine is stopped.
  • Infertility.

  • What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.

  • Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Persistent cough.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Chest pain or pressure.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Not hungry.
  • Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

  • How should I store this medicine?
  • This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

  • General statements
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products or supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you.
  • Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

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