Docetaxel - Benefits, dosage and side effects

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

Docetaxel is a drug to treat several types of cancer, such as breast cancer, head and neck cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, or non-small cell lung cancer. This drug can be used alone or in combination with other anticancer agents.

Docetaxel is a chemotherapy drug that works by interfering with cell division. This way of working will slow down and stop the growth of cancer cells. This medicine should only be given by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor.

Docetaxel trademark: Brexel, Belotaxel, Daxotel, Docetaxel, Docetaxel Actavis, Docetaxel Trihydrate, Docehope, Doceran, Dochemo, Doxel, Doxetasan, Doxomed, Fonkodec, Oncotaxel, Taceedo, Taxotere

What is Docetaxel

Class	Prescription drugs
Categories	Chemotherapy or anticancer drugs
Benefits	Treating breast cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, prostate cancer, and neck and head cancer.
Used by	Adult
Docetaxel injection 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. Docetaxel can be absorbed into breast milk, so it should not be used during breastfeeding.
Medicine form	Inject

Warning Before Using Docetaxel

Docetaxel should only be given by doctors and medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor. There are several things that need to be considered before using this drug, including:

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Docetaxel should not be given to patients who are allergic to the drug, paclitaxel, or
• You need to have your neutrophil level and liver function checked before taking docetaxel. This drug should not be used if you have severe liver failure or have a neutrophil level of <1,500 cells/mm^3.
• Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, lung disease, neuropathy, a weakened immune system, hypertension, excessive fatigue due to asthenia, blood disorders, such as anemia or thrombocytopenia.
• Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from blood cancer, especially acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
• Tell your doctor if you are being treated with other chemotherapy drugs, herbal products, supplements, or certain medications.
• Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking docetaxel, as this medicine can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. Use effective contraception during treatment with injectable docetaxel for up to 6 months after completion of treatment.
• Tell your doctor if you plan to vaccinate, especially with live vaccines, while on treatment with docetaxel.
• As much as possible, avoid close contact with people with infectious diseases that are easily transmitted, such as the flu or measles, during treatment with docetaxel, because this drug can increase your risk of contracting it.
• Report to your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking injectable docetaxel.

Dose and Instructions for Use Docetaxel

Docetaxel dosage for each patient can be different. The doctor will determine the dose of injectable docetaxel based on the patient's body surface area (LPT), the type of cancer to be treated, and the patient's response to treatment. Here are the dosages of docetaxel for adults:

• Condition: Breast cancerThe dose is 60–100 mg/m² LPT. When combined with doxorubicin or capecitabine, the dose is 75 mg/m² LPT. When combined with transzumab, the dose is 100 mg/m² LPT. The drug is given by infusion for 1 hour or more, every 3 weeks.

• Condition: Lung cancer, stomach cancer, prostate cancer, or neck and head cancerThe dose is 75 mg/m² LPT. The drug is given by infusion for 1 hour or more, every 3 weeks.

How to Use Docetaxel Correctly

Docetaxel will be given directly by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor at the hospital. Docetaxel will be injected into a vein through an IV.

Follow the advice and suggestions given by the doctor during treatment with docetaxel. During treatment with docetaxel, patients are advised to drink lots of water.

During treatment with docetaxel, you will need to undergo regular medical check-ups, including blood tests, eye exams, as well as liver and kidney function tests, to monitor your condition and any side effects that may occur after taking injectable docetaxel.

During the injection of the drug, tell the doctor or medical officer on duty if you feel pain, burning, or swelling in the injection area.

Interaction of Docetaxel with Other Drugs

The use of injectable docetaxel with other drugs can cause drug interactions, namely:

• Reduced effectiveness of live vaccines, such as the BCG vaccine
• Increased risk of developing dangerous infectious diseases when used with adalimumab or bariticinib
• Increased risk of side effects when used with amiodarone, ceritinib, atazanavir, erythromycin, ketoconazole, ritonavir, or verapamil

Side Effects and Dangers of Docetaxel

Some of the side effects that may appear after using injectable docetaxel are:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, drowsiness, feeling like drunk
• Irritation, pain, and swelling at the injection site
• Lost appetite
• Hair loss or discoloration of nails
• Red eyes and tears easily
• Constipation

Tell the doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as:

• Infectious disease that can be characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, severe sore throat, canker sores or sores that don't heal
• Easy bruising or nosebleeds are getting more frequent
• Chest pain, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Numbness, weakness, tingling, or burning sensation in the hands or feet
• Tumor lysis syndrome, which is characterized by symptoms such as back and waist pain, pain when urinating, bloody urine, seizures, or muscle weakness
• Skin redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling
• Visibility problems, such as blurred vision or frequent flashes of light