What is Cabazitaxel?
Cabazitaxel and prednisone are used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other areas of the body. Cabazitaxel can be given when other cancer medications have failed to work. Cabazitaxel can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Cabazitaxel
Cabazitaxel may cause an allergic reaction. If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic response: hives or skin redness, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, feeling light-headed, or swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, get emergency medical attention.
Cabazitaxel may cause serious or even fatal side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if:
- You may experience tingling, burning, or numbness in your feet or hands.
- Feeling short of breath, having a dry cough, or experiencing sudden chest discomfort;
- Symptoms of stomach pain or tenderness include severe vomiting, diarrhea, or persistent constipation
- Blood in the urine, frequent urination, burning, or pain when you urinate
- Low blood counts: fever; chills; muscle pain. Mouth sores and skin sores Easy bruising. Unusual bleeding. Pale skin. Cold hands and feet. Feeling light-headed.
- Signs of stomach bleeding include bloody or tarry stool, vomiting that looks like coffee or blood, or coughing up a lot of blood.
- Signs of kidney problems include little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, swelling of your hands and feet, and feeling tired or short of breath.
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be postponed or discontinued permanently.
Cabazitaxel can cause the following side effects:
- Fever and low blood cell count
- Numbness or tingling
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain;
- Constipation, diarrhoea;
- Weakness, fatigue;
- Blood in urine
- Joint and back pain.
- Cough, shortness of breath
- Changed sense of taste
- Hair loss.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contacting the FDA with reports of side effects is easy at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Cabazitaxel can affect your immune system. If you're 65 years old or older, you may be more susceptible to infections. If you experience a fever or have any of the following symptoms: muscle pain, coughing, diarrhoea, or pain when urinating, call your doctor. An allergic reaction can occur during an injection. Inform your carers immediately if you experience a rash, skin redness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, or feel as if you might pass out. If you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor: chest pain or shortness of breath, severe stomach pain, blood or pus in your urine, or stools.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic or have any of the following:
- Severe liver problems;
- Low white blood cell count;
- Allergy to polysorbate 80
Inform your physician of any of the following conditions:
- Radiation treatment
- Liver or kidney disease
- Breathing problems
- A severe allergic reaction to any medicine
Cabazitaxel is not recommended for women to use. However, if the father uses this medication, it can cause birth defects. If your partner can get pregnant, use birth control. Continue to use birth control at least three months after the last dose. If you become pregnant during this period, tell your doctor immediately. This medication may interfere with your fertility (your ability to have children). It is still important to use birth control to avoid pregnancy, as cabazitaxel may harm the unborn child.
How to take Cabazitaxel?
Cabazitaxel can be infused into a vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. Cabazitaxel should be administered slowly. The infusion may take up to an hour. Cabazitaxel is usually given every three weeks. Other medications will be prescribed to you in order to avoid certain side effects. Prednisone is a steroid medication that you will likely be taking by mouth daily throughout your treatment with cabazitaxel. Do not stop taking prednisone before consulting your doctor. You could experience unpleasant side effects from cabazitaxel. Do not stop taking prednisone without consulting your doctor. Cabazitaxel can cause unpleasant side effects. Cabazitaxel can affect your immune system. If you're 65 years old or older, you may be more susceptible to infections. These infections can even be fatal. You will need to be examined by your doctor on a regular schedule. If you experience persistent vomiting or diarrhoea or are perspiring, call your doctor. It is easy to become dehydrated when receiving cabazitaxel. This can cause a serious electrolyte imbalance. You may be told by your doctor to monitor your temperature at home during your treatment with Cabazitaxel.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for prostate cancer:
20 mg/m2 IV every three weeks
Some patients may receive a 25 mg/m2 dose every three weeks.
Comments:
In selected patients, the dose can be increased up to 25 mg/m2. Primary prophylaxis using G-CSF in these patients is recommended.
Use in conjunction with oral prednisone of 10 mg, once daily.
The dose is calculated based on the body surface area.
The medication regimen should be given at least 30 minutes before each administration.
Ensure that you are hydrated throughout the treatment.
Use: In combination with prednisone in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients previously treated with a regimen containing docetaxel
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your scheduled cabazitaxel treatment, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, increasing side effects or making them less effective. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products, may also affect cabazitaxel. Informing your physician of all medications you are currently taking and those you plan on discontinuing or beginning is very important.
