Taxotere

Taxotere is a prescription medicine that is used for treating various types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. The medication works by interfering with certain cell structures, stopping the cancer cells from growing and multiplying. Taxotere, which is administered intravenously (through an IV), is generally given at a healthcare provider's office, an "infusion center," or a hospital. Possible side effects of Taxotere include hair loss, anemia, and leukopenia.

 

What Is Taxotere?

Taxotere® (docetaxel) is a prescription medication used to treat various types of cancer. This includes breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer, to name a few. It is part of a group of chemotherapy medications called taxanes.
 
(Click Taxotere Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Taxotere?

Taxotere is currently made by sanofi-aventis.
 

How Does Taxotere Work?

Taxotere 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 Taxotere 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 Taxotere.
 
(Taxotere Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;