Docetaxel
About
Docetaxel belongs to the class of 'anti-neoplastic/anti-cancer drugs', primarily used as a chemotherapy drug to treat cancers. It is effectively used in breast, lung, prostate, stomach, head/neck cancers. Cancer is a genetic change in which our cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues.
Docetaxel contains Docetaxel, which belongs to the anticancer drugs. It works by slowing down cell growth. It is a cytotoxic agent, i.e., it prevents the cancer cells from rapidly dividing and spreading.
Docetaxel will be administered by a healthcare professional. Your doctor will decide the dosage depending on your medical condition. The common side effects of Docetaxel include pain/swelling at the injection site, headache, fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, loss of appetite, indigestion, tearing of the eyes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, insomnia (sleeplessness), fever (please inform your doctor if you have fever), muscle aches, and breathlessness. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Do not use or stop this medicine if the doctor did not advise you. Before starting Docetaxel, let your doctor know if you have any allergic reactions, medical history of liver or kidney diseases, heart diseases, blood pressure problems, fits, lung disorders, weak immune system, anemia, low white blood cell count, vision problems, and are receiving chemotherapy. Docetaxel is not indicated for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Docetaxel may make you feel dizzy and drowsy, hence do not drive or operate machinery. It is not recommended to consume alcohol along with Docetaxel. Docetaxel is not recommended for children below two years of age.
Uses of Docetaxel
Medicinal Benefits
Docetaxel contains Docetaxel that belongs to the family of anticancer drugs. It works by slowing down cell growth. It is a cytotoxic agent and prevents cancer cells from rapidly dividing and spreading. Docetaxel may be used alone or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to treat breast cancer that has spread to the tissues and lymph nodes (locally advanced breast cancer) and other parts (secondary breast cancer). It is also used in prostate cancer that does not respond to hormone treatment. It is further being investigated to treat small cell lung, ovarian, bladder, and pancreatic cancers.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Docetaxel
- Pain/swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion
- Tearing of the eyes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Insomnia (sleeplessness)
- Fever (please inform your doctor if you have fever)
- Muscle aches
- Breathlessness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if you have any allergic reactions to Docetaxel or other medications. Before starting Docetaxel, let your doctor know if you have any medical history of allergic reactions, non-small cell lung cancer, liver or kidney diseases, heart diseases (congestive heart failure), blood pressure problems, fits, lung disorders (pulmonary effusions), weak immune system, anemia, low white blood cell count/thrombocytopenia, vision problems, and are already receiving chemotherapy. Docetaxel can affect the unborn baby when used in pregnancy. It may also have harmful effects on the breastfed infant when used by a lactating mother. Hence, Docetaxel is not indicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding women. If you are using Docetaxel, use reliable contraception forms to prevent pregnancy during the course. Docetaxel can make you feel dizzy and drowsy, thus affecting your mental ability to drive. Do not drive or operate machinery if you are not mentally alert and focused. Avoid alcohol consumption while being treated with Docetaxel. Docetaxel is not recommended for patients younger than 18 years of age.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Docetaxel may interact with antibiotics (itraconazole, erythromycin, rifabutin, metronidazole, tinidazole), HIV drugs (ritonavir), drugs to treat chronic alcoholism (disulfiram), opioid medicines (codeine, hydrocodone), muscle relaxants (carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), and anti-allergic medicines (cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Grapefruit and its juice may interact with Docetaxel. Also, avoid alcohol consumption.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Docetaxel should be used with caution in cases of allergic reactions, non-small cell lung cancer, liver or kidney diseases, heart diseases (congestive heart failure), blood pressure problems, fits, lung disorders (pulmonary effusions), weak immune system, anemia, low white blood cell count/thrombocytopenia, vision problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is unsafe to consume alcohol while using Docetaxel since it may cause increased dizziness and drowsiness. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
unsafeIt is unsafe to use Docetaxel in pregnancy and can have harmful effects on the unborn baby. Use reliable forms of contraception to prevent pregnancy while using Docetaxel.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDocetaxel is not recommended during breastfeeding since it may be unsafe for the breastfed infant. Please seek medical advice if you are a nursing mother before starting Docetaxel.
Driving
unsafeDocetaxel causes dizziness and drowsiness that may affect your ability to drive. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience unmanageable side effects with Docetaxel.
Liver
cautionPlease let your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment. Before being treated with Docetaxel, your doctor may advise you of blood tests to check your liver functioning.
Kidney
cautionPlease let your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases before starting Docetaxel.
Children
unsafeSafety and efficacy of Docetaxel have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a fiber-rich diet and include healthy carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Include fish, soy, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli, and oils containing omega-3 fatty acids such as olive oil as these foods may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
- Include whole grains, legumes, and follow a plant-based diet. Limiting dietary fats is advised during the breast cancer phase. Instead, include healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish
- Avoid grilled meat, red meat, saturated fat found in animal products, milk, and dairy products.
- Exercise regularly to lose weight as obesity is also considered a risk factor for prostate cancer.
- Eat at regular intervals.
- Keep your weight under control with a BMI of 19.5-24.9.
- Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may advise regular physical exams and mammograms to rule out the possibility of breast cancer.
- Self-examine your breasts to check for any lumps monthly.
- Your doctor may also advise liver function tests to monitor your liver health.
- Your doctor may advise blood tests and regular examinations of the prostate.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cancer: It is a genetic change in which our cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues. There are two types of cancer: benign (localized) and metastatic (spread to the whole body). Cancer growth can be prevented by chemotherapy (by strong antibiotics), radiation, and stem cell therapy.
Breast cancer: It is a type of cancer that develops in breast cells stimulated by a female sex hormone called estrogen. Breast cancer may form in lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts of the breast (the pathway that brings milk from glands to the nipple), in the fatty tissue, or the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. Symptoms include a lump in the breast or tissue thickening which feels different than the normal surrounding tissues, breast pain, redness, swelling, nipple discharge other than breast milk, bloody discharge, unexplained change in shape, size, or appearance of the breast, and a lump or swelling under the arm.
FAQs
Docetaxel contains Docetaxel, an anti-neoplastic agent. It prevents the cancer cells from rapidly dividing and spreading, thus slowing down their growth.
Docetaxel should be used with caution and under doctor's supervision only if you have any medical history of any allergic reactions, liver or kidney diseases, non-small cell lung cancer, heart diseases (congestive heart failure), blood pressure problems, fits, lung disorders (pulmonary effusions (excess fluid around lungs), weak immune system, anemia, low white blood cell count/thrombocytopenia, vision problems, and are already receiving chemotherapy. Let your doctor know if you have any other medical concerns before using Docetaxel.
During treatment with Docetaxel, it is essential to look for any signs of swelling (fluid retention/oedema), dizziness/fainting, difficulty in breathing, irregular heartbeat, swelling, pain and tenderness in the abdomen region, blood in stools, skin rashes, easy bleeding or bruising, sores in the mouth or throat or symptoms of infection like fever and sore throat. If you further notice any symptoms that are not manageable or unusual, please seek prompt medical attention.
It is advised to consult your doctor before undergoing any vaccination and take advice accordingly. Also, please avoid contact with people who have recently been vaccinated with the oral polio vaccine.
Docetaxel might cause serious allergic reactions and fluid retention if you had previously experienced allergic reactions with paclitaxel and cabazitaxel. These medicines contain polysorbate 80, an excipient. If you had any allergic reactions with medicines containing polysorbate 80, Docetaxel is not recommended. Please consult your doctor for more information.
