Taxol

What is Taxol?

Taxol is a treatment for cancer that blocks the spread and growth of cancerous cells within the body. Taxol is used for treating tumours of the breast, cancer of the ovary, and lung cancer. Taxol can also be used to treat the AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

Warnings

Don't use Taxol without consulting your doctor when you are expecting. Taxol could cause harm to the unborn baby. Utilise effective birth control and inform your doctor if you are pregnant while receiving treatment. Contact emergency medical assistance. If you are experiencing symptoms warning of an allergy reaction, Taxol: hives, breathing difficulties, the feeling that you may faint, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue. Paclitaxel can reduce the number of blood cells, which helps your body fight off infections and aids in the process of helping your blood form clots. It is possible to contract an infection or get bleeding quickly. Consult your physician if you notice bleeding, unusual bruising, or signs of an infection (fever, chills, fever, and body pains).

Before taking Taxol, inform your physician whether you suffer from heart disease, liver disease, or an insufficient immune system. Taxol may reduce the number of blood cells, which help your body fight off infections. This could make it more difficult for you to lose blood due to an injury or be sick from being around other people who are sick. To ensure that your blood cells don't become too low and your blood levels are not too low, you will need to be checked regularly. Don't delay appointments.

There are a myriad of other medicines that are incompatible with paclitaxel. Inform your doctor about every prescription and non-prescription medication you are taking. This includes minerals and vitamins, as well as herbal products and medications prescribed by doctors. Don't begin using any new medication without first talking to your physician. Keep a record of every medication you use. You can show the list to your medical professional or doctor who cares for you.

Related drugs

Opdivo, Retevmo, Rybrevant, Lumakras, Elahere, methotrexate, and letrozole

Before taking this medication

You shouldn't take Taxol if you have an allergy to paclitaxel or other medicines that contain an ingredient known as Cremophor El (polyoxyethylated castor oil). This includes cyclosporine and teniposide.

To be sure Taxol is appropriate for you, consult your physician if you are suffering from:

• HIV, AIDS, or Kaposi's sarcoma;
• heart disease;
• hypertension or
• liver disease.

Do not take Taxol when you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Make sure you use effective birth control and inform your doctor if you become pregnant while receiving treatment.

It isn't known if it is possible to introduce paclitaxel into breast milk or if it is harmful to babies who are nursing. Do not breastfeed during the time you take this medication.

How to take Taxol?

Taxol is injected into a vein by way of an IV. The healthcare provider will administer this injection. It is possible to receive other medicines to avoid an allergic reaction if you receive paclitaxel. Taxol is usually prescribed three times a year. Follow the instructions of your doctor for dosage extremely carefully. Your blood pressure, breathing, kidney function, oxygen levels, and other vital indicators are closely monitored while you receive this medication. Contact your physician. If you experience any pain, burning, or swelling in the area of your IV needle when Taxol is injected, Taxol may reduce blood cells, which can aid your body in fighting illnesses and preventing blood clots. Your blood must be checked frequently. The treatment for cancer may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor for advice in the event that you don't make an appointment for a Taxol injection.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I be aware of when taking taxol?

Alcohol consumption can cause an increase in certain adverse effects associated with Taxol. Paclitaxel is a drug that can be absorbed into body fluids (urine, faeces, or vomit). At least for the first 48 hours following the dose, you should not allow your body fluids to come into contact with your hands or any other surfaces. Carers must wear rubber gloves when cleaning up the patient's body fluids, handling toxic trash or laundry, or changing diapers. Clean hands prior to and after taking off gloves. Cleanse linens and clothing that have been soiled separately from the rest of the laundry.

Beware of those who are sick or suffer from infections. Inform your doctor immediately when you begin to show symptoms of an infection. Avoid activities that could increase the chance of injury or bleeding. Take extra care to avoid bleeding when shaving or brushing your teeth.

Do not get any "live" vaccines while using Taxol. The vaccine might not function in the same way at this point and could not completely safeguard you against disease. Measles is a live virus that includes rubella, mumps (MMR), and rotavirus. yellow fever, typhoid varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and the nasal influenza (influenza) vaccine.

Side effects of Taxol:

Seek medical attention immediately. If you exhibit symptoms warning of an allergy reaction to Taxol, such as difficulty breathing or feeling that you may be passing out, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,

See your doctor right away. If you suffer from:

• Chills, fever, and body aches. symptoms such as sores in your throat and mouth;
• Skin is pale, feels lightheaded or sluggish, has a fast heart rate, and has difficulty concentrating;
• simple bleeding, unusual bruising (nose, vagina, mouth, or rectum), and red or purple areas of skin;
• flushing (warmth of redness or tingly sensation);
• low heart rate Feeling like you're about to pass out;
• seizure (convulsions);
• chest pain, dry cough, wheezing, and being short of breath;
• Tingling, numbness, and burning sensations in your feet or hands;
• jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin) or
• significant swelling, redness, or swelling; extreme swelling; a ump that is hard; or a skin change in the area where the injection was administered.

Common side effects of Taxol include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and  constipation;
• weakness;
• Muscle or joint pain;
• darkening of your skin or nails;
• Temporary loss of hair.

This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

A variety of drugs can interact with paclitaxel. Some interactions may not be included in this article. Discuss with your physician the medications you take and any that you take or discontinue in treatment with Taxol, in particular:

• Bosentan;
• Cyclosporine;
• Imatinib;
• Nefazodone
• John's wort;
• An antibiotic, such as clarithromycin, nafcillin, rifabutin, and rifapentine;
• Antifungal medication: itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole;
• Heart medication: nicardipine, quinidine;
• Hepatitis C medication Boceprevir, telaprevir;
• HIV/AIDS medication: atazanavir, delavirdine, efavirenz, fosamprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir, saquinavir; or
• seizure medication: carbamazepine, fosphenytoin, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone

This list isn't complete, and other medications may be a potential cause of interaction with the drug paclitaxel. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, and products made from herbs. Make an inventory of all your medications and give it to any health professional who will treat you.