Paclitaxel
Paclitaxel 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.
Uses for Paclitaxel
- metastatic breast cancer
- metastatic ovarian cancer
- Kaposi's sarcoma
Paclitaxel has been used to treat head and neck cancer, non-small cell lung cancer,
small cell lung cancer, and bladder cancer.
Possible side effects of Paclitaxel
Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow.
This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding and infection. The number of
blood cells in your blood may begin to reduce from about seven days after the treatment
has been given and 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 have 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 lowered 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.
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 have diarrhoea.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Hair loss. This usually starts 2-3 weeks after the first dose of
paclitaxel, although it may happen earlier. Hair is usually lost completely but 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.
Aching or pain in joints and muscles may occur a few days after
paclitaxel is given. It does not usually last long and your doctor may prescribe
painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs to help.
Skin changes. Paclitaxel can cause a rash, which may be itchy. Your
doctor can prescribe medicine to help with this.
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet. This is due to the effect of
paclitaxel on nerves and is known as peripheral neuropathy. You may also notice that you
have difficulty doing up buttons or similar 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.
Headaches. Some people find that paclitaxel causes headaches. Let your
doctor know if you have headaches while having treatment with paclitaxel.
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 desire 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 signs. You will be given medicine before the paclitaxel to reduce the
chance of an allergic reaction. If you are given any of these tablets before treatment it
is important to take them as directed and to tell your doctor or nurse if you forget.
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. There are now very effective
anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If you do feel sick
it may begin soon after the treatment is given and last for a few days. If the sickness is
not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other anti-sickness
drugs that may be more effective.
Less common side effects of Paclitaxel
Low blood pressure. Your blood pressure will be checked regularly
during treatment. Let your doctor know if you feel faint or dizzy.
Changes in heart rate. Paclitaxel can sometimes cause a temporary
slowing of the heart rate known as bradycardia. This usually does not cause any harm.
Your liver may be temporarily affected. Paclitaxel may cause changes
in the way that your liver works, which return to normal when the treatment is finished.
This is very unlikely to cause you any harm, but your doctor will monitor this carefully.
Samples of your blood will be taken from time to time to check your liver function.
Abdominal pain. This may start a few days after finishing the
chemotherapy and may last for a few days. Your doctor can prescribe regular painkillers if
it does happen. |