Brand Names: Onxol, Taxol

Generic Name: paclitaxel (Pronunciation: PAK li TAK sel)

• What is paclitaxel (Taxol)?
• What are the possible side effects of paclitaxel (Taxol)?
• What is the most important information I should know about paclitaxel (Taxol)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving paclitaxel (Taxol)?
• How is paclitaxel given (Taxol)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Taxol)?
• What happens if I overdose (Taxol)?
• What should I avoid while using paclitaxel (Taxol)?
• What other drugs will affect paclitaxel (Taxol)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is paclitaxel (Taxol)?

Paclitaxel is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Paclitaxel is used to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer. It is also used to treat AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

Paclitaxel may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of paclitaxel (Taxol)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; feeling like you might pass out; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• slow heart rate;
• seizure (black-out or convulsions);
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;
• increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats); or
• warmth or redness under your skin.

Less serious side effects may include:

• pain, swelling, redness, or skin color changes where the medicine was injected;
• joint or muscle pain;
• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or
• hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Taxol (paclitaxel) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about paclitaxel (Taxol)?

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

You should not be given this medication if you are allergic to paclitaxel, or to other medications that contain an ingredient called Cremophor EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil). This includes cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune) and teniposide (Vumon).

Before you receive paclitaxel, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart disease, or a severely weak immune system.

Paclitaxel can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.