Taxol (paclitaxel) and Taxotere (docetaxel) are chemotherapy medications from a class of chemotherapies called taxanes. These medications were once plant-based and made from the yew tree but are now synthetically made in the lab. Taxanes work by stopping the part of the cancer cell called a microtubule; division of the cell is the microtubule's job. Freezing this part of the cell makes it unable to divide and, because of its short life cycle, it will die. Side effects from these chemotherapies are similar and the severity depends on dose and on how often chemotherapy is given.
Hair Loss
According to The Chemotherapy Source Book, hair loss with Taxol is severe and total hair loss is common. Higher doses cause increased chances of total hair loss. It is also noted that Taxotere causes sudden and total hair loss.
Skin and Nail Changes
Taxotere causes acral erythema, which is reddening of the palms of hands and soles of feet. Pain may accompany redness. Both Taxol and Taxotere cause darkening of the nails. Temporary discoloration disappears after completion of treatment.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is numbness and tingling that occurs in the hands and/or feet. Taxol and Taxotere commonly cause peripheral neuropathy, especially in cases where chemotherapy is given in high doses or on a weekly basis.
Hypersensitivity Reaction
The Chemotherapy Source Book reports that Taxol causes mild allergic reactions in 40 percent of patients receiving the medication for the first time. Two percent of hypersensitivity reactions are severe. Because Taxotere is similar to Taxol, allergic reactions also occur in the same percentages. Hypersensitivity symptoms can include very low blood pressure, shortness of breath, bronchospasms, rash and cardiac arrest.
Anemia and Risk for Infection
According to the Chemo Care website, decreased red and white blood cell counts occur in over 30 percent of patients taking Taxol and Taxotere. Lack of red blood cells in the body leads to anemia. The main symptom occurring with anemia is fatigue. Risk for infection increases due to the lack of white blood cells.
Other Common Side Effects
Some common side effects differ in Taxol and Taxotere. Chemo Care reports mouth sores, diarrhea and joint pain as common side effects of Taxol. Commonly found side effects distinct to Taxotere include fatigue/weakness, fluid retention and possible nail loss. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects for both medications.
References
- Chemo Care: Taxol
- Chemo Care: Taxotere
- "The Chemotherapy Source Book"; Michael C. Perry MD.; 2008.
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