Taxol (paclitaxel) and carboplatin---which are collectively referred to as PC, CarboTaxol or TaxolCarbo---are two chemotherapeutic drugs used in combination to treat patients with ovarian or lung cancer. These medications are administered through intravenous (IV) injection over a period of several hours. Side effects associated with Taxol and carboplatin should be thoroughly discussed with your oncologist before you begin chemotherapy.
Fatigue
Excessive fatigue is one of the most common side effects of Taxol and carboplatin chemotherapy treatment. Patients who experience fatigue during treatment may have difficulty performing usual daily tasks, such as going to the grocery store, taking out the trash or folding laundry. If you experience fatigue while receiving Taxol and carboplatin, allow your body to rest as necessary to limit the severity of this side effect.
Bruising
In patients receiving this form of chemotherapeutic treatment, the level of platelets---a substance within your blood that helps it clot when you are injured---is significantly decreased. This can cause you to develop abnormal bruising across your body due to minor injuries, such as bumping into a door or cabinet. Certain people may also experience increased bleeding, such as bleeding gums or nosebleeds.
Infection
Treatment with Taxol and carboplatin decreases the level of certain immune cells (white blood cells) within your body, leaving you more susceptible to developing infection. During treatment, you can develop recurrent infections or frequently experience flu-like symptoms as a side effect of chemotherapy. These side effects can include fever, muscle or joint pain, headache or fatigue. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a fever greater than 101.3°F after receiving Taxol and carboplatin, warn health professionals at the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton, Ontario.
Anemia
This form of treatment decreases the amount of red blood cells within your blood. When this occurs, you can develop anemia, which can cause side effects of headache, light-headedness, fatigue, fainting or difficulty breathing. Such side effects should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Stomach Upset
Taxol and carboplatin treatment can cause you to experience symptoms of nausea or vomiting as side effects. Typically, your doctor will provide you with an anti-vomiting (anti-emetic) medication before you receive this form of chemotherapy to help limit the severity of stomach-related side effects. Additional stomach upset symptoms can include diarrhea or constipation, which can contribute to abdominal cramping, bloating or discomfort.
Hair Loss
During treatment with Taxol and carboplatin, you can experience hair loss beginning three to four weeks after your first chemotherapy treatment, explain health professionals at Macmillan Cancer Support. Hair loss or thinning typically occurs at the scalp, but it can also affect your eyebrows, eyelashes or body hair. Once you have finished chemotherapy treatment, your hair will begin to grow as usual. Speak with your doctor to discuss how you can manage hair loss side effects during treatment.
Mouth Ulcers
Certain people develop uncomfortable or painful mouth sores as a side effect of Taxol and carboplatin treatment. You can also notice that your mouth or throat feels frequently dry or that certain foods taste different when you eat a snack or meal.
Side effects associated with Taxol and carboplatin treatment are temporary and will progressively subside once you have completed chemotherapy.
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