Paclitax

Paclitaxel is a chemotherapy drug used in the treatment for many different types of cancer. Paclitaxel works by stopping cancer cells from separating into two new cells. This blocks the growth of the cancer.

Paclitaxel is administered as a drip into your bloodstream (intravenously). Each treatment takes either 1 hour, 3 hours or 24 hours. It is usually part of a chemotherapy cycle, and may be used alone or alongside other drugs. Paclitax is usually given every one to three weeks.

The most common side effects of Paclitaxel are:

• Risk of infection
• Breathlessness and looking pale
• Bruising and bleeding
• Allergic reaction
• Numbness and tingling in hands and feet
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Diarrhoea
• Feeling or being sick
• Sore mouth
• Hair loss
• Muscle and joint pain
• slow heart rate
• nail and skin changes
• pain, swelling, redness at the injection site
• liver function changes

Rare side effects you may experience include:

• an allergic reaction needing treatment signs include change in blood pressure, shortness of breath, hives, pain, high heart rate, chills
• changes to the heart including heart attack
• inflammation of the blood vessels
• high blood pressure
• blood clots that can be life threatening; signs are pain, swelling and redness where the clot is. Feeling breathless can be a sign of a blood clot on the lung.
• changes to the lung tissue that can cause cough and breathlessness. Rarely this can be life threatening

Tell your doctor if you exerience any of these side effects and they become more sever or do not go away over time.

Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you are taking. These may interfere with Paclitax (Paclitaxel).

Paclitax (Paclitaxel) may cause loss of fertility. Make sure you discuss with your doctor before treatment if you plan to have children in the future.

It is unknown if Paclitax (Paclitaxel) effects unborn babies during pregnancy, but the drug can be excreted through breast milk. Make sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not have any immunizations containing live vaccines if during treatment or for 12 months following treatment. Also avoid others who have had vaccinations as much as possible.