Docetaxel

Docetaxel is a drug for treating 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 as a single therapy or in combination with other anticancer agents.

Docetaxel is included in chemotherapy drugs that work 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 trademarks: Brexel, Belotaxel, Daxotel, Docetaxel, Docetaxel Actavis, Docetaxel Trihydrate, Docehope, Doceran, Dochemo, Doxel, Doxetasan, Doxomed, Fonkodec, Oncotaxel, Taceedo, Taxotere

What is Docetaxel

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 history of allergies you have. Docetaxel should not be given to patients who are allergic to the drug, paclitaxel, or
• You need to have neutrophil levels and liver function checked before using docetaxel. This drug should not be used if you have severe liver failure or have a neutrophil count <1,500 cells/mm 3 .
• Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, lung disease, neuropathy , a weakened immune system, hypertension , fatigue due to asthenia, blood disorders , such as anemia or thrombocytopenia .
• Tell your doctor if you have had or currently have blood cancer , especially a type of 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, because this drug 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 treatment is finished.
• Tell your doctor if you plan to get vaccinated, especially with live vaccines, while having 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, while undergoing treatment with docetaxel, because this drug can increase your risk of contracting it.
• Immediately report to your doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction , serious side effects, or overdose after using injectable docetaxel.

Dosage and Rules for Use Docetaxel

The dose of docetaxel 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 you want to treat, and the patient's response to treatment. The following is the docetaxel dosage for adults:

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

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

How to use Docetaxel correctly

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

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

While undergoing treatment with docetaxel, you need to undergo routine health checks, including blood tests, eye examinations, and liver and kidney function tests, to monitor your condition and side effects that arise after using 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.

Docetaxel Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of injectable docetaxel with other drugs can cause drug interaction effects, namely:

• 
  Decreased 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 , seritinib, atazanavir, erythromycin , ketoconazole, ritonavir, or verapamil

Docetaxel Side Effects and Dangers

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
  Loss of appetite
  Hair loss or discolored nails
  The eyes are red and tear easily
  Constipation

Tell your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately consult a doctor if an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects occur, such as:

• An 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 becoming 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 loin pain, pain when urinating, bloody urine , seizures, or muscle weakness
• Skin redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling
• Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or frequent flashes of light