DOCETAXEL

Generic Name : DOCETAXEL

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Why it is prescribed (Indications) : This medication is an anti- cancer drug, mainly used for the treatment of breast, ovarian, gastric cancer, head and neck cancer, prostate cancer and non-small cell lung cancer either alone or with other medications. It belongs to taxane group. It stops the growth and spread of cancer cells.

When it is not to be taken (Contraindications) : Previous severe hypersensitivity reaction to docetaxel, the solvent or polysorbate 80, severe decrease in white blood cells, pregnancy, severe liver impairment

When it is to be taken : Adult: IV Breast cancer Initial: 60-100 mg/m2 once 3 weekly as a single agent. Gastric adenocarcinoma; Head and neck cancer, non-small cell lung cancer; Prostate cancer 75 mg/m2 once 3 weekly.

How it should be taken : It comes as a liquid to be given intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic. It is usually given over 1 hour once every 3 weeks.

Special Instruction :
*You may develop muscle or joint pain, numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in the hands, arms, legs, or feet. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if these symptoms occur.
*Monitor liver blood function and blood counts regularly.
*Pre-medication with oral dexamethsone at 16 mg daily for 3 days, starting one day before docetaxel treatment is recommended.
*Caution need during pregnancy and breast feeding.

Side Effects :
HEART- Low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, blood clot in deep vein, ECG abnormalities, heart attack, blood clot in the lung, syncope.
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM- Weakness, neurosensory and neuromotor symptoms, confusion, seizures, transient loss of consciousness.
SKIN- Hair loss, severe allergic reactions, nail changes.
EYE AND ENT- Inflammation of conjunctiva, tears, transient visual disturbances including flashes, flashing lights, and blurred vision.
GI- Mouth ulcer severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, taste perversion, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, inflammation small intestine of colon, constipation, dehydration associated with GI reactions, duodenal ulcer, GI hemorrhage, GI perforation, ileus, intestinal obstruction.
GENITOURINARY- Kidney failure.
BLOOD- Decrease in white blood cells, platelets, anemia, bleeding episodes.
LIVER- Increased level of liver enzymes, hepatitis.
HYPERSENSITIVITY- Severe hypersensitivity reactions.
LOCAL- Infusion-site reactions, inflammation of vein, redness or dryness of skin, and swelling of vein.
METABOLIC-NUTRITIONAL- Fluid retention.
MUSCULOSKELETAL- Joint pain, muscle pain.
RESPIRATORY- Acute pulmonary edema, acute respiratory distress syndrome, difficulty in breathing, stiffening and scarring of lung tissue.
MISCELLANEOUS- Infection, fever in absence of infection, death due to infection, non septic death, chest pain, diffuse pain, radiation recall phenomenon.

Other Precautions :
Avoid vaccination while taking this medication.

Storage Conditions :
Injection: Store at 2-25°C. It is usually handled and stored by a health care provider.