Paclitaxel 100mg.

Paclitaxel 100mg. — Uses and Benefits

Paclitaxel is used mainly in the treatment of certain cancers as part of chemotherapy regimens.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Ovarian cancer
• Breast cancer, including after surgery or when it has spread
• Non-small cell lung cancer
• AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma
• Sometimes used along with other chemotherapy drugs or after other treatments

HOW IT WORKS

• Paclitaxel works by stopping cancer cells from dividing and multiplying
• It acts on the internal skeleton (microtubules) of cells, freezing them so they cannot grow or spread
• This eventually causes the cancer cells to die, slowing or shrinking the tumour

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not used for infections, pain relief, or general fever
• It is not a cure for cancer on its own and is used as part of a complete treatment plan
• It is not suitable for patients with very low blood cell counts unless corrected first
• It should not be used without proper cancer diagnosis and oncologist supervision

How to Use Paclitaxel 100mg.

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Paclitaxel is given only as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a trained healthcare professional
• It is never taken by mouth
• You will usually receive medicines beforehand to reduce allergic reactions and nausea
• The dose, frequency and number of cycles are decided by your oncologist based on your cancer type and health
• Regular blood tests are done before each dose to check if it is safe to continue

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Since this medicine is given in hospital under supervision, missed doses are managed by your treatment team
• If you are unable to attend a scheduled infusion, inform your doctor or hospital immediately to reschedule
• Do not try to self-administer or delay treatment on your own

STORAGE

• This medicine is stored and handled by hospital pharmacy staff under controlled conditions
• It requires protection from light and specific temperature control
• Patients do not usually store this medicine at home

Paclitaxel 100mg. — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Hair loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Muscle and joint pain
• Tiredness and weakness
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Mouth sores
• Changes in taste
• Low blood counts causing infections, bruising or bleeding
• Skin rash or nail changes
• Swelling in hands, feet or face

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe allergic reaction – difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat, chest tightness
• Signs of severe infection – high fever, chills
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Severe numbness or weakness affecting daily activities
• Irregular heartbeat or chest pain
• Severe abdominal pain

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Paclitaxel 100mg. — Safety Information and Precautions

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and must be given only under specialist medical supervision.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Have had a severe allergic reaction to paclitaxel or similar drugs in the past
• Have very low white blood cell counts (neutrophil count) unless advised otherwise by your doctor
• Are pregnant, as it can harm the unborn baby

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have nerve problems such as numbness or tingling
• Have heart disease or irregular heartbeat
• Are breastfeeding
• Have had chemotherapy or radiotherapy recently
• Have any active infection

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other chemotherapy drugs
• Ketoconazole and other antifungal medicines
• Certain antibiotics like erythromycin
• Drugs affecting liver enzymes (CYP3A4/CYP2C8)
• Live vaccines during treatment

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can paclitaxel be taken as a tablet at home?

No, it is given only as an IV infusion in a hospital or clinic under medical supervision.

Will I lose my hair with this treatment?

Hair loss is very common with paclitaxel but is usually temporary and hair grows back after treatment ends.

Can I drive myself home after an infusion?

• It is safer to have someone accompany you, as fatigue, dizziness or allergic reactions can occur during or after infusion.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.