Docetaxel
Docetaxel is in a class of drugs known as taxanes; it slows or stops
the growth of cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the types of
drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you
have.
Docetaxel is used to treat
- metastatic breast cancer
- non-small cell lung cancer.
Side effects of Docetaxel
Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow.
This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding and infection. This effect can
begin about seven days after the treatment has been given and the number of blood cells in
the blood usually reaches its lowest point at 10-14 days after the chemotherapy. Your
blood cells will then increase steadily and will usually return to normal within 21 days.
The extent to which your blood cells are reduced depends on the dose of chemotherapy
you receive and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, are given in combination. Your
doctor can advise you how likely it is that your blood cells will be reduced by the
chemotherapy. Your blood will be checked regularly to see how well your bone marrow is
working.
If your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F), or you develop any unexplained
bruising or bleeding, or you suddenly feel unwell, even with a normal temperature, contact
your doctor or the hospital straight away.
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. This is usually mild. There are
now very effective anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce this. If it does
happen it may begin a few hours after the treatment is given. If the sickness is not
controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs,
which may be more effective.
Sore mouth and taste change. Your mouth may become sore, or you may
notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your
teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help to reduce the risk of this
happening. Tell your doctor if you do have any of these problems as they can prescribe
special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear any mouth infection.
You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will come back after the
treatment finishes.
Diarrhoea. This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but let
your doctor know if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids
if you do get diarrhoea.
Hair loss. This usually starts 2-3 weeks after the first dose of
docetaxel, although it may occur earlier. Hair may be lost completely or may just thin.
You may also have thinning and loss of eyelashes, eyebrows and other body hair. This is
temporary and the hair will regrow once the treatment is finished.
Skin changes. Docetaxel can cause a rash. Your doctor can prescribe
medicine to help with this.
Soreness and redness of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
(sometimes known as palmar plantar or hand-foot syndrome). This is temporary and will
improve when treatment is finished.
Allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include skin rashes
and itching, a high temperature, shivering, redness of the face, a feeling of dizziness,
headache, breathlessness, anxiety and a need to pass urine. You will be monitored for any
signs of an allergic reaction during the treatment. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have
any of these symptoms. A course of steroids is usually prescribed to reduce the chance of
developing an allergic reaction and to help reduce other side effects.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Fluid retention. You may notice that you gain weight and/or that your
ankles and legs swell. This decreases slowly once your treatment has finished. Sometimes
drugs can be given before the docetaxel to limit the fluid retention.
Less common side effects of Docetaxel
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet. This is due to the effect of
docetaxel on nerves and is known as peripheral neuropathy. You may also notice that you
have difficulty doing up buttons or other fiddly tasks. Tell your doctor if you notice any
numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. This usually improves slowly a few months
after the treatment is finished.
Changes in nails. The colour of your nails may change. This change
grows out over several months once the treatment has finished. Pain in the nail bed (at
the base of the nail) may occur, but this is rare.
Pain in the joints or muscles. It is important to tell your doctor
about this, so that appropriate painkillers can be prescribed. |