This page contains drug information on Taxol.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Taxol
the possible side effects of Taxol
what happens if you miss a dose of Taxol
what happens if you overdose with Taxol
the most important information about Taxol
how to use Taxol
other drugs that may affect Taxol
what to avoid while using Taxol
 
Generic Name: paclitaxel (pack lih TACK sell)
Brand Names: Onxol, Taxol
 
What is the most important information I should know about taxol?
 •  taxol should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
 •  Serious side effects have been reported with the use of taxol including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or hives) decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue easy bruising or bleeding black, bloody or tarry stools fever or chills or signs of infection) numbness or tingling irregular heartbeats and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with taxol.

What is taxol?
 •  taxol is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. taxol interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
 •  taxol is used in the treatment breast, ovary and lung cancers, and AIDS-related Kaposis sarcoma.
 •  taxol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking taxol?
 •  Do not take taxol without first talking to your doctor if you have
      · had an allergic reaction to other drugs that contain polyoxyethylated castor oil (Cremophor EL) such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune) or teniposide (Vumon)
      · liver disease
      · heart disease or
      · poor bone marrow function.
 •  The use of taxol may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 •  taxol is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that taxol is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use taxol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with taxol if either you or your partner is of childbearing potential.
 •  It is not known whether taxol passes into breast milk. Do not take taxol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

How should I use taxol?
 •  taxol should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
 •  Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with taxol depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.
 •  Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with taxol to monitor progress and side effects.
 •  Skin accidentally exposed to taxol should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.
 •  Your healthcare provider will store taxol as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing taxol at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of taxol.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  If for any reason an overdose of taxol is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
 •  Symptoms of a taxol overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

What should I avoid while using taxol?
 •  Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with taxol. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with taxol.
 •  Skin accidentally exposed to taxol should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

What are the possible side effects of taxol?
 •  If you experience any of the following serious side effects from taxol, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
      · an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or hives)
      · decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue easy bruising or bleeding black, bloody or tarry stools fever or chills or signs of infection)
      · liver damage (abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes) or
      · severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
      · numbness or tingling or
      · irregular heartbeats.
 •  Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking taxol and talk to your doctor if you experience:
      · tissue or vein reactions near the site of administration
      · joint or muscle pain
      · sores in the mouth
      · hair loss or
      · mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
 •  Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment with taxol.

What other drugs will affect taxol?
 •  Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with taxol. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with taxol.
 •  taxol can interact with many other medications, including other chemotherapy drugs. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with taxol.