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What is Taxol
 Taxol
is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Taxol interferes
with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and
spread in the body.
Taxol
is used in the treatment breast, ovary and lung cancers, and
AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.
Taxol
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Taxol
Taxol 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 Taxol 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); numbness or tingling;
irregular heartbeats; and others. Talk to your doctor about
the possible side effects from treatment with Taxol.
What you should find out before taking Taxol Do not take Taxol without first talking to your doctor
if you have
- had an allergic reaction to other drugs
that contain polyoxyethylated castor oil (Cremophor EL)
such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune) or teniposide
(Vumon);
- liver disease;
- heart disease;
or
- poor bone marrow function.
The use of
Taxol may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
Taxol is in the FDA pregnancy category
D. This means that Taxol is known to be harmful to an unborn
baby. Do not use Taxol without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate
use of birth control during treatment with Taxol if either
you or your partner is of childbearing potential.
It is not known whether Taxol passes into breast milk. Do
not take Taxol without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast feeding a baby.
How should you use Taxol Taxol 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 Taxol 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 Taxol to monitor progress and side effects.
Skin accidentally exposed to Taxol should be rinsed thoroughly
with soap and warm water.
Your healthcare provider
will store Taxol as directed by the manufacturer. If you
are storing Taxol at home, follow the directions provided
by your healthcare provider.
If you miss a dose: Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Taxol.
What happens if you overdose: If for any reason an overdose of Taxol is suspected,
seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare
provider immediately.
Symptoms of a Taxol overdose
tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication,
although often more severe.
What should you avoid while using Taxol Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment
with Taxol. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous
during treatment with Taxol.
Skin accidentally exposed
to Taxol should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm
water.
Possible side effects of Taxol If you experience any of the following serious side
effects from Taxol, 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; black, bloody or tarry
stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection);
-
liver damage (abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes);
or
- severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
-
numbness or tingling; or
- irregular heartbeats.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely
to occur. Continue taking Taxol and talk to your doctor
if you experience:
- tissue or vein reactions near
the site of administration;
- joint or muscle pain;
- sores in the mouth;
- hair loss; or
-
mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of
appetite.
Other side effects have also been reported.
Discuss with your doctor any side effect that occurs during
treatment with Taxol.
What other drugs will affect Taxol Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment
with Taxol. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous
during treatment with Taxol.
Taxol
can interact with many other medications, including other
chemotherapy drugs. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before
taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines,
including herbal products, during treatment with Taxol. |
