Docetaxel is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat cancer of the breast and lung.
This medicine may also be used together with other medicines to treat cancer of the stomach, prostate, head and neck.
Docetaxel injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
Before starting your treatment, you may be given other medicines to prevent or lessen the side effects of this medicine. These medicines may be given as tablets or as injections.
The dose of Docetaxel will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Docetaxel.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Docetaxel if you ever had a severe allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes, lips, tongue or throat) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- white blood cell count that is too low
- severe liver disease
as Docetaxel may not be suitable for you.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine and for 1 week after stopping the treatment.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of allergic reaction to paclitaxel (medicine for cancer)
- fluid buildup in the space around the heart, lungs, and abdomen
- hyperuricaemia (high uric acid level in the blood)
- large tumours
- mild to moderate liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during therapy and after stopping the treatment with Docetaxel. Your doctor will advise you about the duration of your birth control use.
Men should not father a child while being treated with this medicine. Men with partners who may become pregnant must use proven birth control methods during therapy and after stopping the treatment. Your doctor will advise you about the duration of your birth control use.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, complete blood test) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs or symptoms of allergic reactions, heart or stomach problems, and changes in vision may also be needed.
Docetaxel may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, changes in taste, hair loss, loss of appetite, nail problems, and muscle or joint pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- stomach pain or tenderness and/or diarrhoea with or without fever
- signs and symptoms of breathing or lung problems e.g. cough, fever, shortness of breath
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- signs and symptoms of heart problem e.g. fast or irregular heartbeat, weakness, shortness of breath
- dark or cloudy urine, muscle cramps or weakness, trouble passing urine, unusual tiredness
- signs and symptoms of fluid buildup e.g. swelling in the legs or feet, weight gain, or shortness of breath
- blurred vision or sudden loss of vision
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, telithromycin
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir
- nefazodone (medicine to treat depression)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Docetaxel.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store below 25°C, away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As Docetaxel is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired medicine to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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