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Abraxane

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Abraxane

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PATIENT INFORMATION

ABRAXANE® for Injectable Suspension
(ah-BRAKS-ane)
(paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension) (albumin-bound)

Read this Patient Information before you start receiving ABRAXANE and before each infusion. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment.

What is ABRAXANE?

ABRAXANE is a prescription cancer medicine used to treat advanced breast cancer. It is not known if ABRAXANE is safe or effective in children.

Who should not receive ABRAXANE?

Do not receive ABRAXANE if:

  • your white blood cell count is below 1,500 cells/ mm3.
  • you have had a severe hypersensitivity reaction to ABRAXANE

What should I tell my doctor before receiving ABRAXANE?

Before you receive ABRAXANE, tell your doctor if you:

  • have liver or kidney problems
  • are a man planning to father a child. You should not father a child during your treatment with ABRAXANE. ABRAXANE can harm the unborn baby of your partner. Talk to your doctor if this is a concern to you.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. ABRAXANE can harm your unborn baby. Women who may become pregnant should use effective birth control (contraception). Talk to your doctor about the best way to prevent pregnancy while receiving ABRAXANE.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ABRAXANE passes into your breast milk. You and your doctor should decide if you will receive ABRAXANE or breastfeed.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list to show your doctor and pharmacist each time you get a new medicine.

How will I receive ABRAXANE?

  • Your doctor will prescribe ABRAXANE in an amount that is right for you.
  • Premedication to prevent allergic reactions is not needed to receive ABRAXANE.
  • ABRAXANE will be given to you by intravenous (IV) infusion into your vein.
  • Your doctor should do regular blood tests while you receive ABRAXANE.

What are the possible side effects of ABRAXANE?

ABRAXANE may cause serious side effects, including:

decreased blood cell counts. ABRAXANE can cause a severe decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cells important in fighting in bacterial infections) and platelets (important for clotting and to control bleeding). Your doctor will check your blood cell count during your treatment with ABRAXANE and after you have stopped your treatment.

  • numbness, tingling, or burning in your hands or feet (neuropathy).

The most common side effects of ABRAXANE include:

  • hair loss
  • numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
  • abnormal heart beat
  • tiredness
  • joint and muscle pain
  • changes in your liver function tests
  • low red blood cell count (anemia). Tell your doctor if you feel weak, tired or short of breath.
  • nausea
  • infections. If you have a fever (temperature of greater than 100.4° F) or other signs of infection, tell your doctor right away.
  • diarrhea

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

General information about the safe and effective use of ABRAXANE.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet.

This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the important information about ABRAXANE. If you would like more information, talk to your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about ABRAXANE that is written for healthcare professionals.

For more information, call 1-888-423-5436.

What are the ingredients in ABRAXANE?

Active ingredient: paclitaxel (bound to human albumin).

Other ingredient: human albumin (containing sodium ca pry late and sodium acetyltryptophanate)

This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Last reviewed on RxList: 3/19/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.

Additional Abraxane Information

Abraxane - User Reviews

Abraxane User Reviews

Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.

Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Abraxane sorted by most helpful. Patient Discussions FAQs

See User Reviews

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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