Taxol

dr.joandr.joan عضو ماسي
تم تعديل 2009/08/25 في أدوية الطوارئ Emergency drugs
Taxol


Generic Name: paclitaxel (PAK li TAK sel)


Brand Names: Onxol, Taxol


What is Taxol?


Taxol is acancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slowstheir growth and spread in the body.


Taxol is usedto treat breast cancer, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer. It is also used totreat AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.


Taxol mayalso be used for other purposes not listed in this medicationguide.


Importantinformation about Taxol


Do not useTaxol without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unbornbaby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnantduring treatment. You should not be given Taxol if you are allergic topaclitaxel, or to other medications that contain an ingredient called CremophorEL (polyoxyethylated castor oil). This includes cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune) and teniposide (Vumon).


Before youreceive Taxol, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart disease, or aseverely weak immune system.


Taxol canlower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easierfor you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who areill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to betested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduledappointments.


There aremany other medicines that can interact with Taxol. Tell your doctor about allthe prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includesvitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Donot start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list withyou of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or otherhealthcare provider who treats you.


Beforereceiving Taxol


You shouldnot be given Taxol if you are allergic to paclitaxel, or to other medicationsthat contain an ingredient called Cremophor EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil). This includes cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune) and teniposide (Vumon).


Before youreceive Taxol, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if youhave:


liver disease;


heart disease; or


a severely weak immune system.


If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receiveTaxol.


FDA pregnancycategory D. Taxol can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not receive Taxol withouttelling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Useeffective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant duringtreatment. It is not known whether Taxol passes into breast milk or if it couldharm a nursing baby. Do not receive Taxol without telling your doctor if you arebreast-feeding a baby.


How isTaxol given?


Taxol isgiven as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive thisinjection in a clinic or hospital setting. Taxol must be given slowly through anIV infusion, and can take up to 24 hours to complete.


Taxol isusually given every 3 weeks. Follow your doctor'sinstructions.


Before yourinjection, you may be given other medications to help prevent a serious allergicreaction to Taxol.


Tell yourcaregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle whenthe Taxol is injected.


If any ofTaxol gets on your skin, wash the area with soap and warm water rightaway.


Yourbreathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watchedclosely while you are receiving Taxol.


Your heartrate may also be monitored through electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes calledan EKG). This machine measures electrical activity of theheart.


Taxol canlower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easierfor you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who areill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to betested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduledappointments.


Whathappens if I miss a dose?


Contact yourdoctor if you miss an appointment for your Taxol injection.


Whathappens if I overdose?


Seekemergency medical attention if you think you have received too muchTaxol.


Overdosesymptoms may include numbness or tingling, fever, chills, mouth sores, unusualbleeding or weakness, or any signs of infection.


Whatshould I avoid while using Taxol?


Follow yourdoctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activitywhile you are being treated with Taxol.


Avoid beingnear people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact yourdoctor at once if you develop signs of infection.


Taxol sideeffects


Get emergencymedical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; feeling like you might pass out; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of theseserious side effects:


slow heart rate;


seizure (black-out or convulsions);


pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;


fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;


white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;


numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;


increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in yourears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats); or


warmth or redness under your skin.


Less serious side effects mayinclude:


pain, swelling, redness, or skin color changes where the Taxol was injected;


joint or muscle pain;


mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or


hair loss.


This is not a complete list of side effects and othersmay occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You mayreport side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What otherdrugs will affect Taxol?


There aremany other medicines that can interact with Taxol. Tell your doctor about allthe prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includesvitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Donot start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list withyou of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or otherhealthcare provider who treats you.


Where canI get more information?


Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information aboutTaxol.


What does my medication look like?


Taxol isavailable with a prescription under the brand names Onxol and Taxol. Other brandor generic formulations may also be available. Ask your healthcare provider orpharmacist any questions you have about Taxol, especially if it is new toyou.


Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided isaccurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum's druginformation is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcarepractitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewingthis service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning fora given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate thatthe drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any givenpatient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possibleuses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.

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