For treating cancer.
Brand Name(s): Taxotere
Generic Name: Docetaxel
Instructions
This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.
This medicine should be given over 60 minutes.
This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.
Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients on this medicine have developed severe, life-threatening infections. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
If possible, avoid using with marijuana or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.
This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.
Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.
Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 1 week after stopping treatment.
This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.
Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine.
Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 2 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use a condom during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 4 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
Do not take St. John's wort while on this medicine.
Call your doctor right away if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- decreased appetite
- constipation or diarrhea
- dizziness or drowsiness
- feeling of heat or flushing
- hair loss
- pain, redness, swelling near injection
- nausea and vomiting
- darkening of skin, especially face and breast
- stomach upset or abdominal pain
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- bleeding or bruising
- increased risk of cancer
- chest pain
- severe, watery or bloody diarrhea
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- pain in the eye
- fever or chills
- fast or irregular heart beats
- signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
- mouth sores or irritation
- muscle cramps or weakness
- joint or muscle pain
- shortness of breath
- sore throat
- unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
- blood in urine
- blurring or changes of vision
- sudden or unexplained weight gain
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about DOCETAXEL - INJECTION
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