Taxotere (Cont.)

Taxotere Effects

One study looked at using Taxotere to treat advanced or metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body) in people who had been unsuccessfully treated with other types of chemotherapy. People were given either Taxotere or a combination of mitomycin (Mitozytrex®) and vinblastine (Velban®). Compared to the mitomycin/vinblastine combination, Taxotere increased the average survival time from 8.7 months to 11.4 months. Taxotere also delayed the progression of the cancer.
 
Taxotere was also studied for non-operable, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that had not responded to previous chemotherapy. Compared to supportive care (which is care to improve the quality of life, but not to treat the cancer), Taxotere extended the survival time and delayed the progression of the cancer.
 
Other studies have also shown that Taxotere is also effective at treating prostate cancer, stomach cancer, and head and neck cancer.
 

When and How to Take Taxotere

Some general considerations for when and how to take Taxotere include the following:
 
  • Taxotere is administered intravenously (through an IV). Each Taxotere infusion is given over a one-hour period.
     
  • You will need to take an oral steroid, such as dexamethasone (Decadron®), before (and sometimes after) each dose of Taxotere in order to prevent fluid retention and allergic reactions.
     
  • Most people receive their Taxotere 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. Taxotere will not work as well if you stop taking it before your healthcare provider recommends.
     
(Taxotere Continued: Page 3)

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