Docetaxel injection

What is this medication?

DOCETAXEL (doe se TAX el) is a chemotherapy drug. It targets fast dividing cells, like cancer cells, and causes these cells to die. This medicine is used to treat many types of cancers like breast cancer, certain stomach cancers, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Docefrez, Taxotere

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
• liver disease
• low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
• an unusual or allergic reaction to docetaxel, polysorbate 80, other chemotherapy agents, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This drug is given as an infusion into a vein. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• live virus vaccines

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• aprepitant
• certain antibiotics like erythromycin or clarithromycin
• certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
• certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, or voriconazole
• cimetidine
• ciprofloxacin
• conivaptan
• cyclosporine
• dronedarone
• fluvoxamine
• grapefruit juice
• imatinib
• verapamil

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. You will need important blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

Some products may contain alcohol. Ask your health care professional if this medicine contains alcohol. Be sure to tell all health care professionals you are taking this medicine. Certain medicines, like metronidazole and disulfiram, can cause an unpleasant reaction when taken with alcohol. The reaction includes flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and increased thirst. The reaction can last from 30 minutes to several hours.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine.

Talk to your health care professional about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medicine.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 6 months after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 1 week after stopping it.

Males who get this medicine must use a condom during sex with females who can get pregnant. If you get a woman pregnant, the baby could have birth defects. The baby could die before they are born. You will need to continue wearing a condom for 3 months after stopping the medicine. Tell your health care provider right away if your partner becomes pregnant while you are taking this medicine.

This may interfere with the ability to father a child. You should talk to your doctor or health care professional if you are concerned about your fertility.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• blurred vision
• breathing problems
• changes in vision
• low blood counts - This drug may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding.
• nausea and vomiting
• pain, redness or irritation at site where injected
• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
• redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, nosebleeds
• signs of decreased red blood cells - unusually weak or tired, fainting spells, lightheadedness
• signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
• swelling of the ankle, feet, hands

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation
• diarrhea
• fingernail or toenail changes
• hair loss
• loss of appetite
• mouth sores
• muscle pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.