How is paclitaxel given?
Paclitaxel is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive
this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV
infusion, and can take up to 24 hours to complete.
Paclitaxel is usually given every 3 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Before your injection, you may be given other medications to help prevent a serious
allergic reaction to paclitaxel.
Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle
when the medicine is injected.
If any of this medication gets on your skin, wash the area with soap and warm water right
away.
Your breathing,
blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other
vital signs will be watched
closely while you are receiving paclitaxel.
Your heart rate may also be monitored through electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes
called an EKG). This machine measures electrical activity of the heart.
Paclitaxel can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it
easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be
sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do
not miss any scheduled appointments.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor if you miss an appointment for your paclitaxel injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this
medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include numbness or tingling, fever, chills, mouth sores,
unusual bleeding or weakness, or any signs of infection.
What should I avoid while using paclitaxel?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity
while you are being treated with paclitaxel.
Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact
your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
What are the possible side effects of paclitaxel?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; feeling like you might pass out; swelling of your
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
slow heart rate;
-
seizure (black-out or convulsions);
-
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
-
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
-
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
-
numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;
-
increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision,
buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats); or
-
warmth or redness under your skin.
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What other drugs will affect paclitaxel?
There are many other medicines that can interact with paclitaxel. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.
This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not
start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the
medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about paclitaxel.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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