Paclitaxel

Paclitaxel must be administered in an appropriate medical setting. Serious allergic reactions, some fatal, have occurred with use of Paclitaxel . DO NOT use Paclitaxel again if you have experienced a severe allergic reaction to it. Stop using Paclitaxel and notify your doctor immediately if you develop signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash; itching; severe dizziness; swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness. Certain patients with solid tumors or AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma should not use Paclitaxel . Frequent blood tests should be performed while you are using Paclitaxel because of the risk of bone marrow suppression and serious infection.

Paclitaxel is used for:

Treating ovary and breast cancer. It may be used for other types of cancer as determined by your doctor, which may not be listed in the professional package insert.

Paclitaxel is a chemotherapy medicine. It works by slowing or stopping cancer cells from dividing and growing, so they eventually die.

Use Paclitaxel as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Paclitaxel may come with an additional patient leaflet. Read it carefully and reread it each time you get Paclitaxel refilled.

* Paclitaxel is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions that you may have about Paclitaxel .

* If nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite occurs, do not discontinue your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for ways to lessen these effects.

* Wear gloves while handling Paclitaxel .

* If you get Paclitaxel on your skin, rinse the area thoroughly with soap and water. If you get Paclitaxel in your eyes, nose, or mouth, flush the area thoroughly with water.

* If you miss a dose of Paclitaxel , contact your doctor immediately.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Paclitaxel .

* Serious allergic reactions, some fatal, have occurred with use of Paclitaxel . You will need to take certain other medicines before using Paclitaxel in order to lessen the risk of allergic reaction. Stop using Paclitaxel and notify your doctor immediately if you develop signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash; itching; severe dizziness; swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness.

* Some patients develop redness or sores in the mouth or on the lips. These symptoms may occur a few days after treatment with Paclitaxel and usually decrease or disappear in 1 week. Talk with your doctor about proper mouth care and other ways to prevent or reduce this side effect.

* Paclitaxel may cause dizziness or vision changes. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Paclitaxel . Using Paclitaxel alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

* Paclitaxel contains alcohol, which may interact with the effects of other medicines. Alcohol in other beverages or medicines may increase this effect. Before you begin taking any new prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read the ingredients to see if it also contains alcohol. If it does or if you are uncertain, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

* Paclitaxel may lower your body's ability to fight infection. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Notify your doctor of any signs of infection, including fever, sore throat, rashes, or chills. Also, do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first.

* Paclitaxel may reduce the number of blood cells that are needed for clotting. Report any unusual bleeding, bruising, blood in the stool, or dark, tarry stools immediately to your doctor.

* If you have not had chickenpox or measles, avoid contact with anyone who has either of these diseases or shingles.

* Check with your doctor before having immunizations (vaccinations).

* Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Paclitaxel .

* LAB TESTS, including blood counts, vital signs (such as pulse and blood pressure), and liver function tests, will be required to monitor your progress and check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

* Caution is advised when using Paclitaxel in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Paclitaxel , especially effects on the bone marrow (myelosuppression).

* Paclitaxel is not recommended for use in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.

* Women of childbearing age should use an effective form of birth control (eg, condoms) while using Paclitaxel .

* PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING: Paclitaxel has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Paclitaxel during pregnancy. It is unknown if Paclitaxel is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while using Paclitaxel .

Store Paclitaxel as directed on the prescription label. Keep Paclitaxel out of the reach of children and away from pets.