Docetaxel is a chemotherapeutic medication used to manage cancer of the breast, cancer, lungs, neck, head and stomach. It belongs to the class of medicines called taxanes, and it stops the progression and spread of cancer cells. Docetaxel is available as an intravenous (through your vein) infusion and its dosage depends upon your type of cancer.
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, common side effects of docetaxel can cause vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, alopecia (hair loss) and nail changes. It can cause changes in your sense of taste, throat or mouth sores, extreme fatigue and bone pain. Docetaxel can cause irritation, pain and redness at the injection site and increased lacrimation (eye tearing). These effects are expected from a chemotherapy drug but call your doctor if these symptoms persist for at least 5 days. Your doctor can give you medications to treat you symptomatically.
Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com says that docetaxel's serious side effects include fainting, trouble breathing, fevers, chills, extreme diarrhea and fever. It can cause nausea, poor appetite, dark urine, body aches, the flu, easy bruising or bleeding, weight gain, skin changes at the injection site, blistering skin, fainting and tingling or burning. It may also cause neutropenia (low white blood cell counts). MedlinePlus indicates that docetaxel may cause fluid retention, swelling of your extremities, lightheadedness, weight gain, stomach swelling, hiccups and trouble breathing. Tell your doctor when you develop these side effects.
Miscellaneous Concerns
Avoid docetaxel if you are allergic to it. You may have difficulty breathing, hives and edema (swelling) of your face, lips or tongue.
MedlinePlus says that you should avoid combining docetaxel with cisplatin or carboplatin. Do not take docetaxel if you have liver problems. You may develop such side effects as mouth sores, a skin reaction and possibly death.
Also, you should avoid taking docetaxel if you take cyclosporine, ketoconazole, terfenadine and erythromycin. The combination can lead to the aforementioned effects.
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