Taxol

Taxol is a prescription medicine that is used for treating various types of cancer, including lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. By interfering with certain cell structures, the medication can stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying. Taxol, which is given through an IV, is generally administered at a healthcare provider's office, an "infusion center," or hospital. Possible side effects include anemia, neutropenia, and hair loss.

 

What Is Taxol?

Taxol® (paclitaxel) is a prescription medication that is part of a group of chemotherapy medications called taxanes. It is approved to be used in the following ways:
 
  • Used alone or in combination with cisplatin (Platinol®) for advanced ovarian cancer (cancer that had spread or is starting to spread to other parts of the body)
     
  • In a chemotherapy regimen containing doxorubicin (Adriamycin®) for node-positive breast cancer that has spread to a lymph node after breast cancer surgery
     
  • To treat metastatic breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body after other chemotherapy regimens have failed
     
  • To treat breast cancer that has returned within six months of prior chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery
     
  • Used with cisplatin to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is not likely to be cured by surgery or radiation
     
  • To treat AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma that has not responded to other treatments.
     
(Click Taxol Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Taxol?

Taxol is made by Bristol-Myers Squibb. Generic Taxol is made by various manufacturers.
 

How Does Taxol Work?

Taxol is part of a group of medications called taxanes. Taxanes stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying by interfering with certain structures in the cell.
 
While Taxol can kill both healthy and cancerous cells, it has a greater effect on cells that are multiplying rapidly. Generally, cancer cells multiply more rapidly than healthy cells and are, therefore, more affected by Taxol.
 

When and How to Take Taxol

General considerations for when and how to take Taxol include the following:
 
  • Taxol is given through an IV. Each infusion is given over a one-hour period.
     
  • You will need to take medications before each dose of Taxol in order to prevent fluid retention and allergic reactions. Usually, these medications include dexamethasone (Decadron®), diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), and cimetidine (Tagamet®) or other similar medications.
     
  • Most people receive their Taxol injection at their healthcare provider's office, a hospital, or at an "infusion center."
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Taxol will not work as well if you stop taking it before your healthcare provider recommends.
     

Dosing Information for Taxol

The dose of Taxol that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The type of cancer being treated
  • Your height and weight
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your Taxol dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Taxol Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Taxol

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Taxol. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Taxol include but are not limited to:
 
(Click Taxol Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Taxol

Taxol can potentially interact with a few other medicines (see Taxol Drug Interactions).
 

Taxol: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Taxol if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Taxol Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Overdose on Taxol?

People who take too much Taxol may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Bone marrow depression (a decreased ability of the bone marrow to produce blood cells)
  • Unusual sensations, such as burning or tingling
  • Mouth sores or sores in the gastrointestinal tract.
     
It is unlikely for a person to overdose on Taxol, as it given by a healthcare provider.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Taxol?

If you do not take your Taxol as scheduled, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible to set up your next infusion appointment.
 

Is There a Generic Version of Taxol?

Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of Taxol are licensed for sale (see Generic Taxol).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;