About paclitaxel
Taxane chemotherapy medicine
Used for
- Treats breast, ovarian, and non-small-cell lung cancers
- Treats AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma
Usual adult dose
Given by intravenous infusion, usually every 3 weeks; dose depends on cancer type and treatment plan.
Common side effects
- Low blood counts and increased infection risk
- Hair loss
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Nerve damage causing numbness or tingling
Important warnings
- Can cause severe allergic reactions; premedication and close monitoring are required.
- Can cause dangerously low blood counts; blood tests are needed.
- Must be given by trained staff into a vein; leakage can damage tissue.
- Dose may need adjustment for liver problems.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Effective contraception is needed during treatment; men and women should follow their clinician’s guidance on timing.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.
Interactions
- Other medicines that affect liver enzymes can change paclitaxel levels.
- Cisplatin may increase side effects; treatment sequence matters.
- Doxorubicin can interact, increasing risk of heart-related toxicity.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.