paclitaxel protein-bound

Generic Name: paclitaxel protein-bound (PAK li TAX el PRO teen-bound)
Brand Name: Abraxane

What is paclitaxel protein-bound?

Paclitaxel protein-bound is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Paclitaxel protein-bound is used in the treatment of breast cancer and lung cancer.

Paclitaxel protein-bound is usually given after other cancer medicines have been tried without successful treatment.

Paclitaxel protein-bound may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about paclitaxel protein-bound?

You should not use paclitaxel protein-bound if you are allergic to it, or if you have a low white blood cell count.

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You may need frequent medical tests at your doctor's office to be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving paclitaxel protein-bound?

You should not use paclitaxel protein-bound if you are allergic to it, or if you have a low white blood cell count.

To make sure paclitaxel protein-bound is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;

• liver disease;

• heart disease, heart rhythm disorder; or

• bone marrow suppression.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use paclitaxel protein-bound if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving paclitaxel protein-bound, whether you are a man or a woman. Paclitaxel protein-bound use by either parent may cause birth defects. Follow your doctor's instructions about how long to prevent pregnancy after your treatment ends.

It is not known whether paclitaxel protein-bound passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are receiving paclitaxel protein-bound.

How is paclitaxel protein-bound given?

Paclitaxel protein-bound is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

Paclitaxel protein-bound is usually given once every 3 weeks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when paclitaxel protein-bound is injected.

You may need frequent medical tests at your doctor's office to be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your paclitaxel protein-bound injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using paclitaxel protein-bound?

Avoid coming into contact with your body fluids (including urine, feces, vomit, semen, vaginal fluid). Chemotherapy can pass into body fluids. Patients or caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

Body fluids should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant. Use condoms during sexual activity to avoid exposure to body fluids.

Paclitaxel protein-bound can be harmful if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If skin contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water or rinse the eyes thoroughly with plain water.

Paclitaxel protein-bound side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• fever, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough;

• feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin;

• pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• feeling short of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;

• chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, trouble breathing, fast heart rate; or

• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects may include:

• numbness or tingly feeling;

• muscle or joint pain;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or

• hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: paclitaxel protein-bound side effects (in more detail)

Paclitaxel protein-bound Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Breast Cancer:

260 mg/m2 administered intravenously over 30 minutes every 3 weeks

Usual Adult Dose for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer:

100 mg/m2 administered as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes on Days 1, 8, and 15 of each 21-day cycle. The recommended dose of carboplatin is target AUC of 6 mg*min/mL on Day 1 only of each 21-day cycle, beginning immediately after the completion of paclitaxel protein-bound administration.

The Calvert Formula for calculating carboplatin dosing is: Total carboplatin dose (mg) = (target AUC) x (GFR + 25) with GFR capped at 125 ml/min. For carboplatin target AUC of 6 mg*min/mL the resulting maximum carboplatin dose is 900 mg.

What other drugs will affect paclitaxel protein-bound?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound, especially:

• bosentan;

• cimetidine;

• fluoxetine;

• gemfibrozil;

• imatinib;

• nefazodone;

• St. John's wort;

• an antibiotic--clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin;

• antifungal medication--itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole;

• heart medication--nicardipine, quinidine;

• hepatitis C medications--boceprevir, telaprevir;

• HIV/AIDS medication--atazanavir, delavirdine, efavirenz, fosamprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir, saquinavir;

• seizure medication--carbamazepine, fosphenytoin, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone; or

• tuberculosis medication--isoniazid, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with paclitaxel protein-bound, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about paclitaxel protein-bound.