What is Abraxane?
Abraxane is a treatment for cancer which blocks the spread and growth of cancerous cells in the body. Abraxane can be used to treat advanced cancers that affects the breast, lung and the pancreas. It is a treatment option to treat cancer that isn't treated surgically or when other treatments have been unsuccessful.
Abraxane can be found in combination in conjunction with other cancer treatments.
Warnings
It is not recommended to treat with Abraxane in the event that you have a low white blood cells.
It is possible that you will require regular medical checks in the office of your doctor to ensure that paclitaxel is not causing any harm. The treatment for cancer may be delayed based on outcomes of the tests.
Abraxane could cause a decrease in your immune system. Your blood could require testing frequently.
Before You Take This Drug
It is not recommended to treat with Abraxane in the event that you are allergic to paclitaxel or you suffer from:
- A low white blood cell count.
- A severe liver disease that is severe.
To ensure that Abraxane is appropriate for you, consult your doctor if:
- Liver disease;
- Kidney disease
- An allergic reaction to medications such as the drug paclitaxel (such in the cabazitaxel as well as docetaxel).
Abraxane could cause harm to an unborn baby and cause birth defect when the father or mother is using the drug.
- If you're pregnant, do not use Abraxane when you are pregnant. It is possible that you will need an unconfirmed pregnancy test prior to beginning this treatment. Make sure you are using effective birth control to stop pregnancy while taking this medication, and for a minimum of six months following the last dose.
- If you're male, use effective birth control if you are a partner with a sex who can get pregnant. Use birth control for a minimum of 3 months following your last dose.
- Contact your physician immediately when you notice a pregnancy when one of the parents or father is taking Abraxane.
The medicine can affect the fertility (ability in having kids) in both males as well as women. It is vital to utilize birth control to stop pregnancy as Abraxane may harm a unborn child.
Do not breastfeed while taking this medication. Do so for a minimum of 2 weeks after the dose you last received.Abraxane is a product of human plasma that has been donated and could contain virus or other infectious agents. Plasma donated to the lab is analyzed and treated to lower the chance of contamination however there is an opportunity that it might be a carrier of the disease. Consult your physician about any potential danger.
Details on Dosage
Abraxane is administered as an infusion to vein. The healthcare professional will give you the injection.
In the case of the treatment of breast cancer the treatment is usually prescribed at least once every three weeks.
To treat lung cancer or pancreas. This medication is administered as part of a 21-day and 28-day treatment cycle. This medicine is available only on specific days during each cycle.
The doctor you consult will decide the duration of treatment by this medication.
Contact your physician If you experience any pain, burning or swelling in the area of your needle of your IV when Abraxane is injecting.
There is a possibility that you will require frequent medical tests to make sure Abraxane has no negative consequences. The treatment for cancer may be delayed depending on results.
You could be prescribed another medication to help you avoid any allergic reactions. Continue to take this medication as long as your physician prescribes.
Usual Adult Dose for Breast Cancer:
250 mg/m2 IV in 30 minutes each 3 weeks
Use: To treat patients with metastatic breast cancer or after the failure of combination chemotherapy to treat metastatic disease, or after relapse within 6 months after the adjuvant treatment; previous treatment should include an anthracycline, unless it is clinically indicated. Adult Typical Dose for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer:
100 mg/m2 intravenously over 30 minutes on days 1 8 and 15 of every 21-day cycle; give carboplatin on Day 1 of every 21-day cycle as soon as paclitaxel is protein-bound
Use: To treat localized metastatic or locally advanced NSCLC ( NSCLC) as a first-line treatment with carboplatin in patients who aren't suitable for surgery curative or radiation therapy.Usual Adult Dose for Pancreatic Cancer:
The dose is 125 mg/m2 administered over 30 to 40 minutes on Days 1 15, and 8 of every 28-day cycle; apply gemcitabine immediately following the paclitaxel-bound protein on days every 28-day cycle has 1, 8, and 15 days.
Use: To treat metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, as a first-line treatment, in conjunction with gemcitabine
What Happens If I Miss a dose?
Contact your doctor for advice in the event that you don't make an appointment to receive the Abraxane injection.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if you have a medical emergency.
Side Effects of Abraxane
See a doctor immediately If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergy reaction Abraxane (hives or breathing problems and swelling of your throat or face) or a severe reaction to your skin (fever and sore throat, eye burning, irritation and red or purple skin itching, blisters and peeling).
See your doctor right away for:
- Numbness, tingling, pain or a weakness in your feet or hands;
- The sudden discomfort or pain in the chest or a rapid heart rate
- Dry cough, breath shortness deep and rapid breathing;
- Easily bleeding, unusual bruising the appearance of red or purple spots beneath the skin
- Low white blood cells - - fever sores in the mouth as well as skin sores and sore throats trouble breathing, cough;
- Red blood cell count is low (anemia) - pale skin, unusual fatigue sensation of lightheadedness or breathless, cold feet and hands;
- Symptoms of dehydration such as muscles pain, headache thirst, dry mouth dry and hot skin vomiting, diarrhea, dark urine, or being unable to urinate;
- A blood infection (sepsis) - fever and flu-like symptoms, throat and mouth ulcers rapid heart rate, breath that is shallow.
Adverse Effects
- Chills, fever, or other symptoms of infection
- Bruising, bleeding, anemia;
- Hair loss, rash;
- Vomiting, vomiting, diarrhea, inability to eat;
- Irregular heartbeats;
- Fatigue;
- Joint and muscle pain;
- Swelling of your feet or hands
- Abnormal tests of liver function;
Interaction With Other Drugs
Other drugs can interfere with paclitaxel. This includes prescription and over-the counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your doctor your current medications as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking.
