Paclitaxel is a drug to treat several types of cancer, such as breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, or lung cancer. In addition, this drug is also used to treat Kaposi's sarcoma in people with HIV.
Paclitaxel works by inhibiting the cycle of cell microtubule formation. This way of working will prevent or inhibit cancer cell division. This drug is available in injection form which can only be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
Paclitaxel trademarks : Cytax, Paclihope, Paxomed
What is Paclitaxel
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Anti cancer |
| Benefit | Treat breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, or Kaposi's sarcoma in people with HIV |
| Used by | Mature |
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Paclitaxel for pregnant and lactating women
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Category D: There is positive evidence of risk to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with a life-threatening situation.
It is not known whether Paclitaxel is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Warning Before Using Paclitaxel
Paclitaxel injections should only be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The following are things that you should pay attention to before using paclitaxel:
- Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Paclitaxel should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug or to castor oil .
- Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, infectious disease, heart rhythm disturbances , bone marrow disease, neuropathy , or blood disorders, including leukopenia .
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. Use effective birth control while on treatment with paclitaxel to prevent pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you plan to have vaccinations while on treatment with paclitaxel.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after using paclitaxel, because this drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- Avoid close contact with people with infectious diseases that are easily transmitted, such as chickenpox or the flu, because this medicine can make it easier for you to get an infection.
- Report to your doctor any allergic drug reactions , serious side effects, or overdose after using paclitaxel.
Dosage and Rules for Using Paclitaxel
The dose of paclitaxel given by the doctor depends on the health condition and body surface area (LPT) of the patient. In general, the dosage of paclitaxel for adults based on the condition to be treated is as follows:
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Condition: Breast cancer.
The dose is 175 mg/m2, for 3 hours, every 3 weeks per cycle. Treatment will be carried out for 4 cycles.
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Conditions: Breast cancer that has spread (metastasized)
The dose is 260 mg/m2, for 30 minutes, every 3 weeks.
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Condition: Lung cancer. The
dose is 100 mg/m2, over 30 minutes, on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 21-day cycle. Treatment will be combined with carboplatin.
For very advanced lung cancer, the dose is 175 mg/m2, for 3 hours, or 135 mg/m2, for 24 hours. The dose will be repeated every 3 weeks. Treatment will be combined with cisplatin .
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Condition: Pancreatic cancer that has spread (metastasized)
The dose is 125 mg/m2, over 30 minutes, on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle. Treatment will be combined with gemcitabine.
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Condition: Kaposi's sarcoma in HIV sufferers
The dose is 100 mg/m2, for 3 hours, every 2 weeks. For the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma, the patient needs to undergo a blood test first, to ensure the neutrophil count is >1,500 cells/mm 3 , if it is less than this number, paclitaxel should not be used.
How to use Paclitaxel correctly
Paclitaxel injection will be given in the hospital. The injection will be directly carried out by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
The doctor will also monitor breathing, blood pressure, and kidney function during the injection and while the patient is on therapy with paclitaxel.
Follow the doctor's advice and recommendations while you are taking treatment with paclitaxel. Do not stop taking medication without consulting your doctor first.
During treatment, you will have regular complete blood counts to monitor your condition, response to therapy, and possible side effects.
Paclitaxel Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are a number of interaction effects that can occur when paclitaxel is used with certain drugs:
- Decreased effectiveness of live vaccines, such as the BCG vaccine or measles vaccine
- Increased risk of developing dangerous infections when used with etanercept or fingolimod
- Increased risk of developing bone marrow disorders when used with deferiprone
- Increased blood levels of paclitaxel when used with ketoconazole or fluoxetine
- Decreased effectiveness of paclitaxel when used with rifampicin or efavirenz
Paclitaxel Side Effects and Dangers
Tell your doctor if the side effects below do not go away or get worse:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- The injection area may appear red, itchy, or swollen
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
- Dizziness or severe drowsiness
In addition, immediately report to your doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Symptoms of anemia, which can be marked by pale skin, tired, tired, or lethargic
- Easy bruising , paleness, or coughing up blood
- Fainting, confusion, or seizures
- Irregular or slow heart rate
- Heart beat
- Jaundice