Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial

Description

About

Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial is a chemotherapy drug that is used to treat cancers such as breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, and head and neck cancer. Ovarian cancer is also sometimes treated with this product. 

Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial belongs to a class of medicines known as taxanes. It works by preventing cancer cells from growing and spreading by slowing the proliferation of cells (by killing fast-dividing cells, such as cancer cells).  

Docetaxel injection comes as a liquid that a doctor or nurse administers intravenously (into a vein) in a hospital or clinic. It is normally given once every three weeks for over an hour. 

The dosage and frequency are determined by your medical condition, body size, and therapy response. 

Pre-medications (e.g., corticosteroids like dexamethasone) may be prescribed by your doctor to prevent adverse effects like swelling (fluid retention/edema) and allergic reactions while using Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial.

Indications

Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial is used for:

• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Prostate cancer 
• Stomach cancer (Gastric adenocarcinoma)
• Head and neck cancer 
• Ovarian cancer (cancer that starts in the female reproductive organs, where eggs are produced). 

How Does Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial Work

Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial is a chemotherapeutic medicine that acts by stopping cell proliferation by inhibiting cancer cells from developing and spreading thereby killing fast-dividing cancerous cells.

How To Use Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial

Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial is available in liquid/injectable form, the anesthetic is administered into a patient’s vein (intravenously) by a trained healthcare professional or nurse usually once every 3 weeks over an hour.

• The amount and frequency of the dose are determined by your medical condition and treatment response. 
• During your treatment with this medicine, your condition will be closely checked.
• Important blood tests and liver function tests will be required while you are on this medication. 
• Pre-medications (e.g., corticosteroids like dexamethasone) may be prescribed by your doctor to prevent adverse effects like swelling (fluid retention/edema) and allergic reactions. 
• These are usually begun one day before therapy and continued for three days. 
• Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial should be used when the neutrophil count is more than 1,500 cells/mm3. 
• Avoid shaking or diluting Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial.

Dosage

Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial is available in solution form.

 Form and strength:

20mg (single-use vials)

80mg (multi-use vials)

Adult dosage:

1) Breast Cancer:

• BC locally advanced or metastatic: 60 mg/m2 to 100 mg/m2 single agent
• BC adjuvant: 75 mg/m2 administered 1 hour after doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for 6 cycles 

2) Lung cancer:

• After platinum therapy failure: 75 mg/m2 single agent
• Chemotherapy-naive: 75 mg/m2 followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m2

3) Prostate cancer:

• 75 mg/m2 with 5 mg prednisone twice a day continuously 

4) Gastric cancer:

• 75 mg/m2 followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m2 (both on day 1 only) followed by fluorouracil 750 mg/m2 per day as a 24-hr IV (days 1-5), starting at end of cisplatin infusion.

5) Head and Neck cancer:

• 75 mg/m2 followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m2 IV (day 1), followed by fluorouracil 750 mg/m2 per day as a 24-hr IV (days 1-5), starting at end of cisplatin infusion; for 4 cycles   
• 75 mg/m2 followed by cisplatin 100 mg/m2 IV (day 1), followed by fluorouracil 1000 mg/m2 per day as a 24-hr IV (days 1-4); for 3 cycles. 

Child dosage:

There is no relevant use of Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial in children.

 Elderly dosage:

There are no particular instructions for using this medication in the elderly. 

However, for individuals 60 years or older receiving Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial in combination with capecitabine, a 75 percent reduction in capecitabine is indicated as a starting dose. 

Pregnancy and Lactation

Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial should not be used during pregnancy. It has the potential to harm an unborn child. Before starting this medicine, talk to your doctor about using a reliable birth control method during treatment and for the next three months. Inform your doctor right once if you become pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant. 

Breast-feeding is not recommended while using Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial  due to the potential harm to the infant. Before you start breastfeeding, talk to your doctor. 

Contraindications

Before using Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial, consult your doctor if you have a medical history of any of the following:

• Allergy to Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial or any other medicine or food substance 
• Liver disease
• Low blood counts eg:  white blood cells, platelets, red blood cells
• Any Infection especially viral infection eg: chickenpox, herpes or, cold sores.
• Pregnant women
• Breastfeeding women

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions before using {{product}:

• This drug may cause dizziness or drowsiness. It also contains alcohol, which can amplify these sensations while also making you feel inebriated. 
• If you have a liver illness or any other ailment that causes you to limit or avoid alcohol, proceed with caution. Cannabis (marijuana) can also make you feel drowsy or dizzy. 
• Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform any other tasks that need awareness for 1 to 2 hours after receiving this drug, or until you are sure you can do so safely. 
• Avoid contact with those who have recently received the oral polio vaccine and do not have immunizations/vaccinations without first consulting your doctor. 
• To reduce the risk of being cut, bruised, or wounded, use caution when using sharp objects such as razors or nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. 
• Males who receive this medication must use a condom when having intercourse with women who could become pregnant. After you stop taking the drug, you must continue to use a condom for another three months. 

Interactions With Other Medications

Consult your doctor about the use of the following medicines before using Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial:

• Ciprofloxacin
• Fluvoxamine
• Imatinib
• Verapamil
• Cyclosporine
• Dronedarone
• Imatinib

This document does not contain all probable drug reactions, it is advisable to keep a list of medicines in use and discuss it with your doctor ( this includes prescription/nonprescription and herbal products). 

Adverse Effects

Common Adverse Effects

Following side effects may not require immediate medical attention until becomes troublesome:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Mouth sores
• Loss of appetite
• Fingernail/toenail changes
• Hair loss
• Muscle pain

Rare Adverse Effects

Side effects to report to your doctor or health care provider as soon as possible include: 

• An allergic reaction such as skin rashes, itching, or hives, as well as swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
• Blurred vision 
• Changes in vision
• low blood counts – This medication has the potential to reduce the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the body. Infections and bleeding are possible side effects. 
• Breathing problems
• redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• signs of decreased platelets or bleeding such as, pinpoint red spots on the skin, bruising, black, tarry stools, nosebleeds
• signs of decreased red blood cells such as unusually weak or tired, fainting spells, lightheadedness
• signs of infection – fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain, or difficulty passing urine
• swelling of the ankle, feet, hands

How To Cope With Some Of The Adverse Effects

• Feeling dizzy (lightheaded) or weak –If the medication makes you feel dizzy or weak, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better and do not rise too fast or immediately from sitting or lying down position to a standing posture. Do not drive or use tools or machinery in case of any of these effects.

• Muscular Aches And Pains- A hot or cold compress can be placed at the area of discomfort to bring relief; an over-the-counter pain reliever such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be ingested to bring ease as well. Avoid high-intensity exercise while suffering from muscular pain.
• Constipation- Can be combated by adding more fibers to the patient’s diet, asking the patient to drink plenty of fluids, and increasing their physical activity to trigger contractions in the intestines.
• Blurred vision-  This side effect tends to go away on its own in a few days; patients are advised to not operate heavy machinery or drive any motorized vehicles in the meantime.If blurred vision persists, please contact your doctor.
• Sore throat – Can be eased by adding honey to warm drinks and having oral lozenges, to provide soothing relief to an irritated throat. Ginger tea has been known to decrease inflammation of an irritated throat thus, providing relief.

Key Facts About Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial

• Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial is a chemotherapy drug.
• While taking Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial, you may be more susceptible to some types of cancer. 
• While you’re getting Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial, your doctor will keep a close eye on your blood counts and liver tests. 
• You may bleed more easily. Take precautions to avoid injury. Brush your teeth with a gentle toothbrush and shave with an electric razor. 
• Even with the use of preventative drugs, Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial has produced severe (sometimes fatal) allergic reactions and swelling (fluid retention/edema). 
• Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial should be used when the neutrophil count is more than 1,500 cells/mm3. 

FAQs

Q. What is Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial composed off?

Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial is composed of Docetaxel as an active ingredient.

Q. How to store Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial?

Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial is not stored at home and is given in a medically equipped facility hence not applicable.

Q. Can I take Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial during my pregnancy?

No, Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial is considered unsafe during pregnancy.

Q. Will Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial affect my sexual activity?

No, there isn’t sufficient evidence to suggest that patients experience a decrease in libido.

Q. What if I overdose while receiving Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial?

Immediately seek medical help in case of overdose as it may cause serious symptoms such as fainting and difficulty in breathing.

Q. What if I miss a dose of Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial?

Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial should be taken as per schedule but in case of the missed dose, consult your doctor for a new appointment.

Q. Can I consume alcohol with Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial?

Alcohol is known to make an individual dizzy, thus if taken with the medication may lead to extreme dizziness. It is best to avoid the intake of alcohol during your treatment.

Q. What dietary instructions are to be followed when using Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial?

Continue to eat normally unless your doctor advises differently.

Q. Is it normal to feel lightheaded after getting injected with Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial?

Yes, If Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial makes you feel dizzy or weak, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better and do not rise too fast or immediately from a sitting or lying down position to a standing posture. Do not drive or use tools or machinery in case of any of these effects.

Q. What lab tests will be prescribed while treatment with Taxotere 20mg/1ml Injection 1 vial?

Adjunct laboratory tests may be performed to help your doctor keep a close eye on your blood counts and liver function.