Taxotere Side Effects
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
The injectable drug Taxotere is a brand name for docetaxel, a medication that blocks the growth of cancer cells in the body. Taxotere is prescribed to treat lung, breast, head, neck, stomach and prostate cancers.
Patients may experience certain side effects while taking taxotere, including upset stomach or throwing up, sleepiness, hair thinning or balding, bowel irregularity, oral sores, increased tear production in the eyes, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and various infections. Taxotere may cause health issues in those with liver or kidney disease, fluid retention issues, swelling problems, heart disease and congestive heart failure. Some major side effects, including higher incidence of death, are more likely to occur among patients who have taken the lung cancer drugs cisplatin or carboplatin in the past.[1]
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| Brand name for | Docetaxel[1] |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sanofi-Aventis[2] |
| Uses | Treats stomach, lung, breast, head, neck and prostate cancers[1] |
| Common side effects | Drowsiness, nausea, infection, alopecia and more[3] |
| Who should not take Taxotere | Those allergic to docetaxel, pregnant women[3] |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Common Taxotere Side Effects
The most common side effects of Taxotere include upset stomach, drowsiness, alopecia (loss of hair), infection, pain, changes in bowel movement, anemia, mucositis, hypersensitivity, febrile neutropenia and skin problems.[3]
More severe side effects of Taxotere, which necessitate medical intervention, include extreme weakness, tingling or burning of skin on hands and feet, unexplained bruising, unexplained bleeding, blisters or nosebleeds.[1]
Drug Side Effects
Taxotere Allergic Reactions
Patients may experience severe allergic reactions to docetaxel, which is the active ingredient in Taxotrere. Taxotere also includes inactive ingredients like ethanol and polysorbate 80, which may cause allergic reactions in those who are susceptible.[2] Patients who have experienced medication allergies in the past and are uncertain whether or not those drugs contained polysorbate 80 are advised to check with a doctor or pharmacist. The following symptoms signify a serious allergic reaction:[1]
- Hives
- Skin rash
- Itchiness
- Passing out
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling
- Palid or grey skin tone
- Rapid heartbeat
Taxotere Precautions and Warnings
- Taxotere can cause a drop in white blood cell levels. Therefore, physicians will administer routine tests to check white blood cell count.[4]
- Patients may be instructed to monitor their temperature to check for fever, which may indicate a dangerous infection. Other warning signs to look out for include sore throat and chills.[4]
- Taxotere can cause fluid retention, which is fatal in some cases. Usually, this issue does not arise until after the fifth dose. Symptoms include swelling of the stomach, limbs, feet or hands, hiccups, pain in the chest, fast breathing, weight gain, gray skin or pounding heartbeat.[4]
- Taxotere may not be right for patients who have fluid in the chest cavity.[1]
- Women taking Taxotere are advised not to conceive a child while on this drug, and are instructed to use birth control. Taxotere has been shown to be dangerous to fetuses.[1]
- Taxotere is not intended for use by women who are nursing.[1]
- There are a wide range of drugs, vitamins and nutritional supplements that can interact with Taxotere. Therefore, patients are instructed to discuss any medicine or supplement usage with their physicians. Examples of drugs that can react to Taxotere include cyclosporine, erythromycin, ketoconazole and troleandomycin.
Also See: Drug Side Effects, Prescription Drugs, Sanofi Aventis Patient Assistance Programs, Arimidex Coupons, Mylotarg Recall, Lupron Coupons, Evista Coupons, Marijuana and Cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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