What is Abraxane (Paclitaxel Protein Bound)?
Paclitaxel protein-bound is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Paclitaxel protein-bound interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Paclitaxel protein-bound is used in the treatment breast cancer.
Paclitaxel protein-bound may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Abraxane (Paclitaxel Protein Bound)?
Paclitaxel protein-bound should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Serious side effects have been reported with the use of paclitaxel protein-bound including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection); numbness or tingling; irregular heartbeats; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Abraxane (Paclitaxel Protein Bound)?
Do not take paclitaxel protein-bound without first talking to your doctor if you have
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- heart disease; or
- poor bone marrow function
The use of paclitaxel protein-bound may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Men should not father a child while receiving treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound.
Paclitaxel protein-bound is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that paclitaxel protein-bound is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use paclitaxel protein-bound without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound if either you or your partner is of childbearing potential.
It is not known whether paclitaxel protein-bound passes into breast milk. Do not take paclitaxel protein-bound without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
Abraxane Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Abraxane (Paclitaxel Protein Bound)?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects from paclitaxel protein-bound, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
- decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection)
- liver damage (abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- numbness or tingling; or
- irregular heartbeats
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking paclitaxel protein-bound and talk to your doctor if you experience:
- tissue or vein reactions near the site of administration
- low red blood cell count
- joint or muscle pain
- sores in the mouth
- hair loss; or
- mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Abraxane Interactions
What other drugs affect Abraxane (Paclitaxel Protein Bound)?
Do not receive “live” vaccines during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound.
Paclitaxel protein-bound can interact with many other medications, including other chemotherapy drugs. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound.
What should I avoid while taking Abraxane (Paclitaxel Protein Bound)?
Do not receive “live” vaccines during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound.
Skin accidentally exposed to paclitaxel protein-bound should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Abraxane Dosage
How should I take Abraxane (Paclitaxel Protein Bound)?
Paclitaxel protein-bound should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.
Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound to monitor progress and side effects.
Skin accidentally exposed to paclitaxel protein-bound should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Your healthcare provider will store paclitaxel protein-bound as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing paclitaxel protein-bound at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.
What happens if I overdose on Abraxane (Paclitaxel Protein Bound)?
If for any reason an overdose of paclitaxel protein-bound is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Symptoms of a paclitaxel protein-bound overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.
What happens if I miss a dose of Abraxane (Paclitaxel Protein Bound)?
Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of paclitaxel protein-bound.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com