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.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;