Did you know that the FDA is stating that docetaxel contains ethanol which can cause you to feel drunk during and after cancer treatment? Docetaxel is another name for the brand name Taxotere. Are you currently taking Taxotere and are wondering what the potential side effects are?
In this article, explore all about the side effects of Taxotere before beginning it. Read on to discover all about it and find out why many are turning to other medications for treatment.
What Is Taxotere?
Taxotere is used as a cancer medication that helps stop the growth of cancer cells. It can help with stomach, prostate, lung, head/neck, and breast cancer. It can cause a severe allergic reaction in some.
If you experience passing out, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or hives, you’ll want to seek medical help immediately. It can cause swelling in the intestines for some.
Taxotere Side Effects for Injections
There have been different lawsuits against Taxotere which you can check out here. Taxotere can cause an immediate reaction to the drug. To minimize this, your doctor will give you a steroid about a day or 2 prior. When taking these steroids, it’s still possible to experience the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Symptoms can include:
- Dizziness
- Coughing
- Injection site pain
- Pain in the chest, back, or stomach
Common side effects are:
- Low blood cell count
- Allergic reaction
- Feeling tired
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Hair loss (can be permanent)
- Constipation
- Lip sores
Serious side effects can include:
- Skin rash
- Muscle weakness
- Low blood cell counts
- Liver problems
- Tumor cell breakdown
- Vision problems
Allergic reactions need to be taken seriously since they can be life-threatening. About 2% of patients might experience a life-threatening reaction.
Fluid Retention
Read the box warning before beginning this medication. On the box, you’ll notice it mentions fluid retention. What occurs is fluid retention around your lungs, heart, and limbs.
This can be a long-term side effect. If you experience this, it can take several weeks to go away.
What Are the Long Term Side Effects?
One study finds that about 15% of breast cancer survivors who take docetaxel experience peripheral neuropathy. This feeling can be experiencing tingling in your hands and feet, along with the loss of your reflexes.
Some experience long-term hair loss. Hair normally grows back a few months after finishing chemotherapy.
Another condition you can experience long-term is what’s known as acute myeloid leukemia. This is very rare but occurs if you’re taking Taxotere with other medications.
Black Box Warning
Before beginning this medication, read the black box warning. Certain symptoms can be life-threatening, so it’s vital you understand all potential side effects.
Before taking this medication, speak with your doctor if you are or plan to become pregnant. Understand the risks before beginning any treatment, and understand how it’ll impact any current medications or other treatment you’re receiving.
Avoiding Taxotere
Certain people should avoid taking Taxotere such as those who have liver disease. Also, if you receive treatment for non-small cell lung cancer with medications that have platinum you’ll want to avoid taking it.
If you have an allergic reaction to docetaxel or any that have polysorbate 80, you don’t want to take this medication. Also, avoid this medication if you have a low white blood cell count.
Over the years, many believe that Taxotere causes short-term side effects(which isn’t always the case). Taking this medication causes a reduction in blood cells in your body that fight infections and clotting. You’ll need to think about your weakened immune system while you’re taking this medication.
Before Taking This Medication
Before beginning this medication, talk to your doctor about your medical history and what medications you’re taking. Tell your doctor if you have or ever had fluid retention, heart disease, liver disease, need to limit alcohol, or have tumor lysis syndrome.
How Do You Take Taxotere?
You receive Taxotere through an infusion into your vein. It can cause harm if it goes onto your skin during the infusion. If it spills onto your skin, you’ll want to wash right away with soap and water.
Tell your doctor if you notice any burning, swelling, or pain during the IV. You might need medical tests to ensure that no harmful effects are happening due to the medication.
What Is the Dosage?
The treatment and dosage for Taxotere can vary depending on your condition. It’s often given with other chemo medications. You’ll receive this treatment from your physician.
Certain vaccines shouldn’t be taken with this medication. Speak with your doctor before receiving any vaccines. There’s the potential for drug interactions, speak with your doctor about all supplements and medications you’re taking.
Drugs That Will Interact With Taxotere?
Since Taxotere contains alcohol, it can make you sleepy. If you take other medications that can cause drowsiness, it can worsen the feeling of intoxication.
Before taking medications with Taxotere for depression, seizures, muscle relaxants, opioid pain medicine, sleeping pills, or anxiety, speak with your doctor. You’ll also want to discuss with your doctor any herbal products or vitamins you’re taking. Go over all potential side effects with your doctor to decide if it’s right for you.
Exploring the Side Effects of Taxotere
Now that you’ve explored the side effects of Taxotere, you should have a better idea if it’s the right medication for you. Would you like to learn more about health and medicine? For everything from what medicare is to the health benefits of taking a multivitamin, check out our other articles today.
