Docetaxel : Before Using

Docetaxel - Systemic

Brand Names

Taxotere Docetaxel *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects *** Additional Information

Before Using

In deciding to using a medication, the chance of taking the drug must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you will make. For docetaxel, the following must be considered

Allergic reaction

Tell your family doctor if you have any unusual or allergy to docetaxel.

Pregnancy care

Tell your family doctor if you are pregnant or if you intend to become pregnant. Studies in rats and rabbits have shown that docetaxel causes miscarriages and deaths of the fetus, as well as problems in the mother.

Be sure that you have discussed this with your family doctor before taking this drug. It is best to use some kind of birth control while you are receiving docetaxel. Tell your family doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant while receiving docetaxel.

Breast-feeding problem

It is not known whether docetaxel passes into breast milk. However, because this drug may cause serious side effects, breast-feeding is generally not recommended while you are receiving it.

Use for Children

Docetaxel has been studied in a limited number of children. The study showed that children are especially sensitive to the effects of docetaxel and can't be given usual doses of the drug.

Elderly care

This drug has been tested in elderly diseaseds and has not been shown to cause various side effects or problems in older people than it does in adults people.

Drug interactions

Although certain medication must not be using together at all, in other cases two various medication may be using together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your family doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving docetaxel, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:

Amphotericin B by injection - Fungizone
Antithyroid agents - drug for overactive thyroid
Azathioprine - Imuran
Chloramphenicol - Chloromycetin
Colchicine
Flucytosine - Ancobon
Ganciclovir - Cytovene
Interferon - Intron A, Roferon-A
Plicamycin - Mithracin
Zidovudine - AZT, Retrovir
If you have ever been treated with x-rays or cancer medication Docetaxel may increase the side effects of medication or radiation therapy on the blood

Erythromycins - drug for infection
Ketoconazole - Nizoral
Midazolam - Versed
Orphenadrine - Norflex
Testosterone - male hormone
Troleandomycin Higher blood levels of docetaxel may occur, increasing the risk of serious side effects

Other Information for using

The presence of other medical problems may effect the use of docetaxel. Make sure you tell your family doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Alcohol abuse or history of The risk of some side effects effecting the muscles and nerves may be increased

Chickenpox - including recent exposure
Herpes zoster - shingles chance of severe disease effecting other parts of the body

Fluid in lungs docetaxel may make your condition worse

Infection Docetaxel may decrease your body's ability to fight infection

Liver disease The risk of serious side effects is greatly increased