Taxol is the brand name for the generic chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, according to the Mayo Clinic. It interrupts the growth of cancer cells, and is used to treat breast, ovarian and some kinds of lung cancers. It is administered intravenously, and only under the guidance of a physician. The dose and schedule of the medication you will receive depends on your height, weight and the cancer for which you are being treated.
Precautions
According to the American Cancer Society, this drug may have adverse effects on your fertility. If you want to have children in the future, talk to your doctor about the possible effects this drug may have, and your options for preserving your fertility. While being treated with Taxol, both men and women should use birth control, since this drug can be harmful to a developing fetus. You should also not breastfeed while being treated with this drug, as it can be passed in breast milk. Taxol is broken down and cleared from the body mainly through the liver, and if you have any liver disease, this may have an effect on how the drug is cleared. Tell your health care team if you have any problems with your liver to avoid adverse effects. Sometimes grapefruit or grapefruit juice can affect the level of this medication in your blood; talk to your doctor about this possibility.
Typical Side Effects
A typical side effect of chemotherapy, Taxol included, is lowered white and red blood cell counts. When the amount of white and red blood cells is low, you are more susceptible to serious infection and anemia. Mild nausea and vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, diarrhea, and numbness/tingling in the fingers and feet are all common side effects of this drug. Less common side effects of Taxol include swelling of the feet or ankles, skin and nail discoloration, low blood pressure, joint pain, changes in how food tastes, skin rashes, and pain or swelling at the infusion site.
Serious Complications
Sometimes Taxol can cause serious side effects that can be dangerous. You should call your doctor or your health care team if you have a fever over 100.5 F, chills, shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling in your face, vomiting or diarrhea more than four or five times in a 24-hour period, black or tarry stools, and yellowing of your skin or eyes.
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