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Taxotere

Generic name: docetaxeldoe-se-TAX-el ]
Drug class: Mitotic inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Aug 20, 2023.

What is Taxotere?

Taxotere is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Taxotere is used to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, and head/neck cancer.

Taxotere may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Taxotere can cause severe side effects including death, especially if you receive high doses, if you have liver disease, or if you have non-small cell lung cancer and you have been treated in the past with chemotherapy that contains platinum (cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin).

Taxotere can also cause a life-threatening allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have hives, a red skin rash, trouble breathing, if you feel like you might pass out, or if you have swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You may have swelling in your intestines, which could cause death quickly. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain or tenderness, diarrhea, or fever.

You will be given steroid medication to help prevent fluid retention. Tell your doctor if you have swelling in your lower legs, rapid weight gain, or shortness of breath

Taxotere can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Your blood will need to be tested often.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive Taxotere if you have:

Tell your doctor about your complete health history and all medications you have used. docetaxel can cause severe side effects including death, especially:

To make sure Taxotere is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Using Taxotere may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer (such as leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, or kidney cancer). This risk may continue for several months or years after you have received Taxotere. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.

Docetaxel can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

Docetaxel may affect fertility (ability to have children) in men. It may be harder for a man to get a woman pregnant while he is using Taxotere. Birth control should still be used to prevent pregnancy because docetaxel can harm an unborn baby.

Do not breastfeed while using Taxotere, and for at least 1 week after your last dose.

How is Taxotere given?

Taxotere is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. ou may receive other cancer medicines at the same time.

Taxotere can be harmful if it gets on your skin during an IV infusion. If this happens, wash right away with soap and water. Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when docetaxel is injected.

You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results. Your vision may also need to be checked.

You may be given steroid medication to help prevent fluid retention. Keep using the steroid for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your injection, or if you miss a dose of your steroid medication.

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 receiving Taxotere?

Taxotere may impair your thinking or reactions for a short time after each injection. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Taxotere contains alcohol and may cause a drunken feeling when the medicine is injected into your vein. Avoid drinking alcohol on the day of your Taxotere injection.

Docetaxel can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit). For at least 48 hours after you receive a dose, avoid allowing your body fluids to come into contact with your hands or other surfaces. Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's 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.

Taxotere side effects

You may have a life-threatening allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Taxotere: hives, red skin rash; wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing; feeling like you might pass out; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You may have swelling in your intestines, which could cause death quickly. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain or tenderness, diarrhea, or fever.

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver if you feel light-headed, or if you have trouble breathing or fast or irregular heartbeats.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

Side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common Taxotere side effects may include:

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.

What other drugs will affect Taxotere?

Taxotere contains alcohol. Using other drugs that can make you sleepy can worsen the feeling of being drunk. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, opioid pain medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with docetaxel, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Taxotere only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.