Paclitaxel - Benefits, dosage and side effects

2023 Author: Autumn Gilbert | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 07:39

Paclitaxel is a drug to treat several types of cancer, such as breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, or lung cancer. In addition, this drug is also used to treat Kaposi's sarcoma in people with HIV

Paclitaxel works by inhibiting the cycle of cell microtubule formation. This way of working will prevent or inhibit cancer cell division. This drug is available in the form of an injection that can only be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.

Paclitaxel trademark: Cytax, Paclihope, Paxomed

What is Paclitaxel

Class	Prescription drugs
Categories	Anticancer
Benefits	Treatment of breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, or Kaposi's sarcoma in people with HIV
Used by	Adult
Paclitaxel for pregnant and lactating women	Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Paclitaxel is not yet known whether it can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
Medicine form	Inject

Warning Before Using Paclitaxel

Paclitaxel injection should only be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. Here are the things you should pay attention to before using paclitaxel:

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Paclitaxel should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug or castor oil.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, infection, heart rhythm disorder, bone marrow disease, neuropathy, or blood disorders, including leukopenia.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. Use effective contraception during treatment with paclitaxel to prevent pregnancy.
• Tell your doctor if you plan to get vaccinated while on treatment with paclitaxel.
• Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness, after taking paclitaxel, as this medicine can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
• Avoid close contact with people with infectious diseases that are easily transmitted, such as chickenpox or the flu, because these drugs can make it easier for you to catch an infection.
• Report to your doctor if you have an allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking paclitaxel.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Paclitaxel

The dose of paclitaxel given by the doctor depends on the patient's he alth condition and body surface area (LPT). In general, the dose of paclitaxel for adults based on the condition to be treated is as follows:

• Condition: Breast cancerThe dose is 175 mg/m2, for 3 hours, every 3 weeks per cycle. Treatment will be carried out for 4 cycles.

• Condition: Breast cancer that has spread (metastasized)The dose is 260 mg/m2, for 30 minutes, every 3 weeks.

• Condition: Lung cancer

  The dose is 100 mg/m2, for 30 minutes, on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 21 day cycle. Treatment will be combined with carboplatin. For very severe lung cancer, the dose is 175 mg/m2, for 3 hours, or 135 mg/m2, for 24 hours. The dose will be repeated every 3 weeks. Treatment will be combined with cisplatin.

• Condition: Pancreatic cancer that has spread (metastasized)The dose is 125 mg/m2, for 30 minutes, on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28 day cycle. Treatment will be combined with gemcitabine.

• Condition: Kaposi's sarcoma in HIV patients

  The dose is 100 mg/m2, for 3 hours, every 2 weeks. For the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma, the patient needs to undergo a blood test first, to confirm the neutrophil count is >1.500 cells/mm^{3, if it is less than this number, paclitaxel should not be used.}

How to Use Paclitaxel Correctly

Paclitaxel injection will be given at the hospital. The injection will be directly carried out by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.

The doctor will also monitor breathing, blood pressure, and kidney function during the injection and while the patient is on therapy with paclitaxel.

Follow the doctor's advice and advice while you are taking paclitaxel treatment. Do not stop taking medication without consulting your doctor first.

During treatment, you will undergo regular complete blood counts to monitor your condition, response to therapy, and possible side effects.

Interaction of Paclitaxel with Other Drugs

The following are a number of interactions that can occur when paclitaxel is used with certain drugs:

• Reduced effectiveness of live vaccines, such as the BCG vaccine or measles vaccine
• Increased risk of dangerous infection when used with etanercept or fingolimod
• Increased risk of bone marrow disorders when used with deferiprone
• Increased blood levels of paclitaxel when used with ketoconazole or fluoxetine
• Decreased effectiveness of paclitaxel when used with rifampicin or efavirenz

Side Effects and Dangers of Paclitaxel

Tell your doctor if the following side effects don't go away or get worse:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Injection area is red, itchy, or swollen
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Dizziness or drowsiness

In addition, report to your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug or experience more serious side effects, such as:

• Symptoms of anemia, which can be characterized by pale skin, tiredness, tiredness, or lethargy
• Easy bruising, paleness, or coughing up blood
• Fainting, confusion, or convulsions
• Irregular or slow heartbeat
• Heart pounding
• Jaundice