Taxol is a chemotherapy drug that is used to treat several different cancers including breast cancer, lung cancer and melanoma. Some of the side effects of taxol include mouth sores, diarrhea and nerve damage. Vitamin C in an antioxidant that help prevents damage to cells, repairs tissues and helps build skin, tendons and blood vessels. The use of vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. The American Cancer Society and University of Maryland Medical Center advise that vitamin C may reduce the effectiveness of the chemotherapy drugs. On the other hand, a study published in April 2003 in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" indicates that vitamin C may improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs.
Step 1
Consult your physician before taking vitamin C to determine if it will interfere with your treatment. If your doctor determines that vitamin C is safe, he will advise you as to what dosage to use. Do not take vitamin C without consulting your physician first.
Step 2
Take the vitamin C as instructed by your physician. Do not take more than the recommended dose. If you miss a dose, skip it and continue the next day.
Step 3
Have your doctor monitor your progress and stop taking the vitamin C if it appears to be interfering with your treatment, or if your doctor advises you to.
References
- Chemocare.com; Taxol; 2005
- American Cancer Society; Vitamin C; May 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid); Dr. Steven Ehrlich; June 2009
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition";The use of antioxidants with first-line chemotherapy in two cases of ovarian cancer; JA Drisko et al; April 2003
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