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Overview

Docetaxel

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Docetaxel

Docetaxel is a chemotherapy medication which is used to treat various cancers of lungs, prostate, head, neck, stomach and breast. It should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional as close monitoring of blood cell count and liver function test is necessary during the treatment. Docetaxel is from a family of drugs called taxanes. This drug works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and therefore stops them from spreading to other parts of the body. It is given by slow injection into a vein.

Common side effects include hair loss, numbness, low blood cell counts, vomiting, shortness of breath and muscle pains. Other severe side effects include allergic reactions and increased risk of having cancers in future. Side effects are more common in people with liver problems. Using this medicine during pregnancy may harm the baby.

Ask your doctor about the risks of taking this medicine if you have the following conditions :

This medication is administered into the body by injection into a vein by a medical professional, once every 3 weeks or as prescribed by your doctor. The duration and frequency of your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. The effect of this medicine can be observed in less than an hour and lasts for an average duration of 11 hours. This medicine is given in multiple cycles. It is important to receive every scheduled dose on time. In case of occurrence of any serious side effects, consult your doctor.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Oncologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Docetaxel

    • Breast Cancer

      Docetaxel is used in the treatment of breast cancer.

    • Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

      Docetaxel is used in the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer which is a type of cancer that affects the lungs.

    • Prostate Cancer

      Docetaxel is used in the treatment of prostate cancer which is a most common type of cancer in the men.

    • Gastric Cancer

      Docetaxel is used in the treatment of gastric cancer that develops in the lining of the stomach.

    • Head And Neck Cancer

      Docetaxel is used in the treatment of head and neck cancer that affects mouth, nose and throat and salivary glands.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Oncologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Docetaxel ?

    • Allergy

      Not recommended in the patients with known allergy to Docetaxel.

    • Neutrophils Count

      Not recommended in the patients with neutrophils count less than 1,500 cells/mm3

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Oncologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Docetaxel ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Oncologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Docetaxel

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 11 hours.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The peak effect of this medicine can be observed in less than an hour.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendencies were reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding women.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Oncologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      It is advised not to miss any dose. If you missed any dose, you should contact your doctor immediately.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Oncologist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Docetaxel approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Oncologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Docetaxel

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Docetaxel as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Oncologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication belongs to the class antimicrotubule agent. It prevents the polymerization by microtubule stabilization. This causes inhibition of the normal dynamic microtubule network reorganization. This is found to be essential for vital interphase and cellular functions of mitotic.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Oncologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Docetaxel ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Alcohol

        Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        Lab

        Information not available.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Clozapine

        These medicines may further lower the white blood cell count if received together. Any symptoms of fever, diarrhea, sore throat, chills should be informed to the doctor. Close monitoring of blood cell count is necessary. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.

        Diltiazem

        Diltiazem may increase the concentration of Docetaxel and may cause serious effects like low white blood cells count, hair loss, nausea, and vomiting. Inform the doctor if you are receiving any antihypertensives before initiation of the treatment. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.

        Atorvastatin

        These medicines may increase the risk of nerve damage if given together. Any symptoms of numbness, tingling or burning sensation in feet, hands should be informed to the doctor. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.

        Live vaccines

        You may be at the risk of developing infections if these medicines are taken together. Inform the doctor if you had received either of these medicines. Your doctor may postpone therapy based on the condition.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Infections

        This medicine can suppress the immune system of the body. Hold the chemotherapy and start with the broad-spectrum antibiotics if there are any signs and symptoms of fever. Close monitoring of the body temperature and the blood cell count is necessary.
      • Interaction with Food

        Food

        Information not available.

      References

      • Docetaxel-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 3 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/docetaxel

      • Docetaxel-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 3 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01248

      • DOCETAXEL injection,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 3 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=DOCETAXEL

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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