Taxol (Paclitaxel 300mg) Injection

Uses of Taxol

Taxol is a chemotherapy medication used to treat several types of cancer:

• Ovarian Cancer: Used as first-line therapy with cisplatin or as subsequent therapy for advanced carcinoma.

• Breast Cancer: For metastatic disease after initial chemotherapy failure, or as an adjuvant treatment for node-positive breast cancer.

• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Used in combination with cisplatin for patients who are not candidates for surgery.

• AIDS-related Kaposi's Sarcoma: Indicated for patients when other treatments have not been effective.

How Taxol Works

Paclitaxel is in a class of drugs called anti-microtubule agents. It works by interfering with the normal function of microtubules during cell division. This action helps to stop the growth of cancer cells, eventually leading to their death.

Common Taxol Side Effects

Patients may experience common side effects, and it's important to report these to a healthcare professional:

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Diarrhea.

• Hair loss (alopecia).

• Muscle or joint pain.

• Peripheral neuropathy, which causes numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.

• Low blood cell counts, which can increase the risk of infection, bruising, bleeding, and anemia.

Serious Taxol Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe symptoms, as this medication can cause serious side effects:

• Severe allergic reactions, including itching, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing.

• Severe or life-threatening infections, especially with a low white blood cell count.

• Heart problems, such as changes in heart rhythm, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

Precautions

• Taxol is an injectable medication and is only given by a care team in a hospital or clinic setting. It is not for self-administration.

• Patients are typically given other medications before the infusion to prevent severe allergic reactions.

• It is not recommended for patients who have very low white blood cell or platelet counts.

• In Accra, this medicine should only be acquired and used under the strict guidance of a registered medical oncologist. Rankof Pharmacy serves as a trusted local source, ensuring the product is stored and handled appropriately before being administered by a healthcare professional.