Ixempra (Ixabepilone) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Ixempra

Breast Cancer »

Breast cancer facts

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women.
One in every eight women in the United States develops breast cancer.
There are many types of breast cancer that differ in their capability of spreading (metastasize) to other body tissues.
The causes of breast cancer are not yet fully known although a number of risk factors have been identified.
There are many different types of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is diagnosed with physician and self-examination of the breasts, mammography, ultrasound testing, and biopsy.
Treatment of breast cancer depends on the type of cancer and its stage (the extent of spread in the body).

According to the American Cancer society:

Over 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed each year.
Nearly 40,000 women will die of breast cancer in 2011.
There are over 2...

Read the Breast Cancer article »

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Ixempra

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Ixempra Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

IXABEPILONE - INJECTION

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ixempra

WARNING: Ixabepilone should not be used with capecitabine if blood tests show you have liver problems. Using these 2 medications together may increase the risk of severe (sometimes fatal) immune problems and serious infection.

USES: This medication is used alone or with other medications to treat advanced cancer. Ixabepilone is a chemotherapy drug that works to slow or stop cancer cell growth.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using ixabepilone. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of this medication in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

This medication is usually given by injection into a vein over 3 hours by a health care professional. It is usually given every 3 weeks. You will need blood tests (complete blood count) before each appointment. Your doctor will adjust the dosage and how often you receive the medication based on the blood tests.

Your doctor will direct you to take 2 types of antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine and ranitidine) by mouth 1 hour before your treatment to prevent or lessen a severe allergic reaction. Your doctor may give you another medication (a corticosteroid such as dexamethasone) and give ixabepilone over more than 3 hours if you had a severe reaction during your last treatment.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment.