Docetaxel, Injection doh-se-TAKS-el

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)

Generic and brand names: docetaxel, injection; Taxotere

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat advanced or spreading breast cancer. It is also used to treat prostate cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. This medicine may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• liver disease

Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine.

How do I use it?

This medicine is given by IV infusion over a 1-hour period. These infusions are given by a healthcare provider at a clinic or hospital, or at home by an IV service. Before you are given this medicine, you will be given steroids. The steroids are given to lessen fluid retention (swelling of your ankles and feet) and other side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about the medicines you are receiving.

What should I watch out for?

This is a very strong medicine. It should only be given where you can be monitored closely. You will need blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.

You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.

Adults over the age of 65 may be at greater risk for side effects.

Do not drink alcohol or take aspirin while receiving this medicine. It may increase the risk of bleeding. Report any unusual bleeding or bruising to your healthcare provider.

This medicine may make your mouth sore. Use a soft bristle brush or mouth swab to brush your teeth.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you are unable to contact your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever; chills; sore throat; numbness in your hands or feet; unusual bleeding or bruising; swelling in your arms, legs, abdomen or any unexplained swelling; severe nausea or vomiting; yellowing of skin or eyes.

Other: Mild nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting; muscle or joint pain; loss of hair, weakness, fatigue, white patches or sores in or around your mouth, changes in your fingernails or toenails, loss of appetite, weakness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone)
• antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (Ery-Tabs, E.E.S.), isoniazid, metronidazole (Flagyl), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and telithromycin (Ketek)
• antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• anti-HIV medicines such as indinavir (Crixivan), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir), and saquinavir (Invirase)
• antiseizure medicines such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin)
• clozapine (Clozaril)
• immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Gengraf, Neoral), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), sirolimus (Rapamune), and tacrolimus (Prograf, Protopic)
• live virus vaccines
• medicines to treat cancer such as cisplatin and doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
• rifabutin (Mycobutin)
• rifampin (Rifadin)
• St. John's wort
• thalidomide (Thalomid)

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.