Docetaxel

Generic Name: docetaxel

Microtubule Inhibitor [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Beizray

Docetaxel is a prescription antineoplastic agent administered intravenously for the treatment of various cancers including breast, lung, prostate, gastric, and head and neck cancers.

Overview

Docetaxel is a prescription antineoplastic agent administered intravenously for the treatment of various cancers including breast, lung, prostate, gastric, and head and neck cancers.

Uses

Indicated for breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, castration-resistant prostate cancer, gastric adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Dosage

Administered intravenously over 1 hour every 3 weeks. Dosing varies by indication: 60-100 mg/m2 for breast cancer, 75 mg/m2 for most other indications.

Side Effects

Most common include infections, neutropenia, anemia, febrile neutropenia, hypersensitivity, thrombocytopenia, neuropathy, dysgeusia, dyspnea, constipation, anorexia, nail disorders, fluid retention, asthenia, pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, mucositis, alopecia, and myalgia.

Warnings

BOXED WARNING: Toxic deaths, hepatotoxicity, neutropenia, hypersensitivity reactions, and fluid retention. Contraindicated in patients with neutrophil counts below 1500 cells/mm3 and those with history of severe hypersensitivity reactions to docetaxel. Warnings include hepatic impairment, hematologic effects, enterocolitis, and embryo-fetal toxicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Docetaxel used for?

Indicated for breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, castration-resistant prostate cancer, gastric adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

What are the side effects of Docetaxel?

Most common include infections, neutropenia, anemia, febrile neutropenia, hypersensitivity, thrombocytopenia, neuropathy, dysgeusia, dyspnea, constipation, anorexia, nail disorders, fluid retention, asthenia, pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, mucositis, alopecia, and myalgia.

What are the important warnings for Docetaxel?

BOXED WARNING: Toxic deaths, hepatotoxicity, neutropenia, hypersensitivity reactions, and fluid retention. Contraindicated in patients with neutrophil counts below 1500 cells/mm3 and those with history of severe hypersensitivity reactions to docetaxel. Warnings include hepatic impairment, hematologic effects, enterocolitis, and embryo-fetal toxicity.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.