Drug Notes

Paclitaxel Protein-bound (By injection)

Paclitaxel Protein-Bound (pak-li-TAX-el PROE-teen - bownd)

Treats cancer, including cancer of the breast, lung, or pancreas.

Brand Name(s):

Abraxane

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose :This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how paclitaxel works. Tell your doctor if you are using cimetidine, fluoxetine, gemfibrozil, rifampicin, verapamil, medicine to treat an infection (such as erythromycin, ketoconazole), medicine to treat HIV infection (such as efavirenz, indinavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir, saquinavir), or medicine to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or an infection.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Nerve damage in the arms or legs
  • Immune system problems
  • Lung or breathing problems
  • Severe infection
• This medicine is made from donated human blood. The blood is tested before the medicine is prepared. Although the risk is low, some people have received viruses from human blood products. Talk with your doctor if this concerns you.
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or body aches
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, extreme thirst
• Trouble breathing, dry cough
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Hair loss
• Joint or muscle pain
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017