Taxotere (Docetaxel for Injection) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Taxotere

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 »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Taxotere User Reviews >>

Taxotere

Breast Cancer Slideshow Pictures

Take the Breast Cancer Quiz

Disease Prevention in Women Slideshow Pictures

font size

Taxotere Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using docetaxel (Taxotere)?

Before being treated with docetaxel, tell your doctor if you have ever been treated with cisplatin (Platinol), or if you have:

liver disease;
congestive heart failure;
fluid retention or swelling problems; or
if you have ever had an allergic reaction to docetaxel.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive docetaxel.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use docetaxel 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.

It is not known whether docetaxel passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive docetaxel without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Adults older than 65 may be more sensitive to the side effects of docetaxel.

How is docetaxel used (Taxotere)?

Docetaxel is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this medicine in a clinic or hospital setting. Docetaxel must be given slowly through an IV and it may take up to an hour to complete your dose.

Your doctor may prescribe a steroid medicine for you to take for a few days before your injection. This will help prevent swelling or an allergic reaction to docetaxel. Do not miss any doses of the steroid.

Docetaxel must be given slowly through an IV and it may take up to an hour to complete your dose.

Docetaxel can be harmful if it gets on your skin during an IV infusion. If this happens, wash the skin thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Docetaxel is usually given once every 3 weeks, and you may receive other cancer medicines at the same time. Your doctor will determine a treatment schedule for you based on the type of cancer being treated and other factors.

Docetaxel can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to 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. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Related Drug Centers