Anzatax Injection Medication Guide

Anzatax Injection (Paclitaxel)

Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information

Prescription Required

Quick Facts

Generic Name
paclitaxel
Drug Class
antineoplastic or cytotoxic agent (chemotherapy medicine)
Used For
ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer
How Taken
intravenous infusion (slow drip into a vein) over 3 hours, usually once every three weeks

What Is Anzatax Injection Used For?

Anzatax Injection contains paclitaxel, a chemotherapy medicine that belongs to a group called antineoplastic or cytotoxic agents. It is specifically designed to fight cancer by targeting cancer cells.

Primary Uses

Anzatax is used to treat three main types of cancer: ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

How It Works

Anzatax works by killing cancer cells and stopping them from growing and multiplying throughout your body.

How to Take Anzatax Injection

Anzatax is given as a hospital treatment under medical supervision. Your healthcare team will handle all aspects of administration to ensure your safety.

Dosage Instructions

Your doctor will determine your exact dose based on your condition, weight, kidney function, and other chemotherapy medicines you may be receiving. Before receiving Anzatax, you must take dexamethasone tablets 12 hours and 6 hours beforehand, plus receive two different injections 30 minutes prior to treatment to prevent serious allergic reactions. The medicine is given as a slow intravenous infusion over 3 hours, usually once every three weeks. Each treatment is called one ‘cycle’ of chemotherapy.

Treatment Schedule

Several courses of Anzatax therapy may be needed depending on how you respond to treatment. Additional treatments will not be given until your blood cell numbers return to acceptable levels and any side effects are controlled.

Important: Never attempt to adjust your dose or skip pre-medications – these are essential for preventing serious allergic reactions.

Available Tablet Strengths

30 mg/5 mL
30 mg/5 mL Tablet Clear to pale yellow, Solution in glass vial • AUST R 50578
100 mg/16.7 mL
100 mg/16.7 mL Tablet Clear to pale yellow, Solution in glass vial • AUST R 106458
150 mg/25 mL
150 mg/25 mL Tablet Clear to pale yellow, Solution in glass vial • AUST R 50577
300 mg/50 mL
300 mg/50 mL Tablet Clear to pale yellow, Solution in glass vial • AUST R 91256

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

  • Flushing
  • Light-headedness, dizziness, headache
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea or constipation
  • Muscle or joint pain, stiffness, swelling
  • Changes in vision
  • Hearing loss, tinnitus
  • Hair loss
  • Changes in skin or nail appearance
  • Soreness or ulceration of the mouth
  • Throat, nose or vaginal irritation
  • Skin redness, tightness, cracking, flaking or peeling
  • Thick calluses and blisters on palms and soles
  • Difficulty walking or using hands
  • Weight loss
  • Pain, swelling, irritation at injection site

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe allergic reaction (shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, hives)
  • Signs of infection (fever, sore throat)
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising (including black stools, blood in stools or urine)
  • Red or purple rash with blisters and flu-like symptoms
  • Fast, slow or irregular heartbeat, chest pain
  • Seizures, fits, confusion
  • Numbness, tingling, burning sensation in arms, legs and body
  • Severe or persistent watery diarrhea
  • Severe abdominal pain, cramps, bleeding, fever, chills, bloating
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, loss of appetite
  • Blood in urine, changes to urine output, swollen ankles
  • Swelling of legs, feet and body, rapid weight gain

Important Warnings

There are several important safety considerations before starting Anzatax treatment. Your doctor will review these with you to ensure the medicine is safe for your situation.

Who Should Not Take Anzatax Injection

You should not receive Anzatax if you are allergic to paclitaxel, other similar medicines called taxanes, or any ingredients including ethanol (alcohol) and PEG 35 castor oil. You also cannot receive this medicine if you have a very low white blood cell count.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver problems, heart problems, lowered immunity, blood disorders, nerve problems or neuropathy, or if you’ve had previous serious reactions to similar drugs. Also inform them about any infections, high temperature, or if you’re taking medicines like cyclosporin or receiving radiation therapy.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Anzatax must not be used during pregnancy as it can cause birth defects. Males should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 4 months after stopping. Females should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 7 months after stopping. Do not breastfeed while receiving Anzatax and for 2 weeks after your last dose, as the medicine can pass into breast milk and harm your baby. Both male and female patients should discuss fertility preservation options with their doctor before treatment.

Elderly Patients: There may be a greater chance of certain problems when using Anzatax in elderly patients. Your doctor may order extra tests and monitor you more closely.

Drug Interactions

Several medicines can interfere with Anzatax and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare team about all medicines you’re taking.

  • Cisplatin, doxorubicin and trastuzumab (cancer medicines)
  • Erythromycin, trimethoprim and rifampicin (antibiotics)
  • Gemfibrozil (cholesterol medicine)
  • Deferasirox (iron overload treatment)
  • Filgrastim (white blood cell disorder medicine)
  • Fluoxetine (depression medicine)
  • Carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital (epilepsy medicines)
  • Efavirenz and nevirapine (HIV medicines)
  • Herbal medicines containing St John’s wort

Alcohol & Driving

Anzatax contains alcohol and can affect your ability to drive safely. Take precautions to protect yourself and others.

Alcohol

Anzatax contains alcohol. Discuss drinking additional alcohol with your doctor, as this may increase certain side effects or interactions.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Anzatax affects you. The medicine can cause dizziness or light-headedness in some people, which could make these activities dangerous.

Storage

Anzatax will be stored safely in the hospital pharmacy or on the ward. You do not need to worry about storing this medicine at home as it is only given in healthcare facilities under medical supervision.

Overdose Information

Since Anzatax is given under medical supervision, overdose is very unlikely. However, if you experience severe side effects after treatment, tell your doctor or nurse immediately. Overdose symptoms include more severe versions of the usual side effects, particularly mouth sores, ulcers, bleeding, numbness, pain, or problems with muscle control. If you suspect an overdose, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anzatax works by killing cancer cells during each treatment cycle. You’ll typically receive treatments once every three weeks, with several cycles needed depending on how your cancer responds. Your doctor will monitor your progress and determine how many cycles you need.

Anzatax contains alcohol, so you should discuss drinking additional alcohol with your doctor. They can advise you on what’s safe based on your individual situation and other medications you’re taking.

Anzatax can lower your white blood cell count, making you more susceptible to infections. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop fever, chills, sore throat, or other signs of infection. Avoid people who are sick and practice good hygiene.

Yes, Anzatax may affect fertility in both men and women. Male patients should consider sperm storage before treatment, and female patients should discuss fertility preservation options with their doctor. Use effective contraception during treatment and for months afterward as directed.

Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Anzatax affects you. The medicine can cause dizziness or light-headedness, which could make driving dangerous. Wait until these effects wear off before driving.

You must take dexamethasone tablets and receive two injections before each Anzatax treatment to prevent serious allergic reactions. These pre-medications are essential for your safety and should never be skipped.

Your body fluids will contain Anzatax for several days after treatment. Flush toilets twice, wear gloves when cleaning spills, wash contaminated clothing separately, and use barrier methods during sexual intercourse to protect others from exposure.

Important Disclaimer

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.