Abraxane (Paclitaxel)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Abraxane Used For?
Abraxane contains the active ingredient paclitaxel and is a chemotherapy medicine used to treat various types of cancer.
Primary Uses
Abraxane is used to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
How It Works
Abraxane works by killing cancer cells and stopping them from multiplying. It belongs to a group of medicines called antineoplastic or cytotoxic medicines.
How to Take Abraxane
Abraxane is given as an intravenous infusion (drip) into a vein by your healthcare team. Your doctor will determine the right dose and schedule for your specific condition.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will decide what dose of Abraxane you will receive based on your condition, weight, kidney function, and other chemotherapy medicines you are taking. Abraxane is usually given as an infusion over 30 minutes. For breast cancer: given once every three weeks (day 1 of a 21-day cycle). For lung cancer: given weekly (days 1, 8, and 15 of each 21-day cycle) along with carboplatin on day 1. For pancreatic cancer: given weekly (days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle) along with gemcitabine.
What If You Miss a Dose?
It is very important to keep all appointments to receive Abraxane. If you miss an appointment, ask your doctor when to schedule your next dose.
Important: Additional treatment may not be repeated until your blood cell numbers return to acceptable levels and any side effects have been controlled.
Available Tablet Strengths
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:
- abnormal decrease in white blood cells
- deficiency of red blood cells
- reduction in platelets
- loss of appetite
- numbness or tingling in fingers and toes
- nausea, diarrhea, constipation, throat pain
- vomiting
- hair loss
- rash
- joint or muscle pain
- weakness and tiredness
- fever
- infections
- dehydration
- sleep problems
- depression, anxiety
- blurred vision
- taste changes
- headache, dizziness
- dry mouth
- muscle weakness
- changes in heart rate
- blood pressure changes
- difficulty breathing
- cough
- chest or throat pain
- indigestion
- itching, dry skin
- weight loss
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing
- swelling of face, lips, tongue, or other body parts
- rash, itching or hives on skin
- extreme weakness or tiredness
- seizures (fits)
- fast, slow or irregular heartbeat
- chest pain
- yellowing of skin or eyes
- unusual bleeding or bruising (including blood in stools or urine)
- fever, sore throat or other signs of infection
- pain, swelling, irritation and redness at injection site
- flushing
- light-headedness, dizziness or fainting due to low blood pressure
- changes in vision
- abdominal pain
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions you need to know before receiving Abraxane treatment.
Who Should Not Take Abraxane
Do not use Abraxane if you are allergic to paclitaxel or human albumin, have a very low white blood cell count, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease (you must not receive this medicine if you have severe liver damage), heart problems, any blood disorder with reduced blood cells or platelets, any disease of the nerves, infections or high temperature, lowered immunity due to diseases like HIV/AIDS, or lowered immunity due to other treatments.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Abraxane is not recommended during pregnancy as it may cause birth defects. Both men and women should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. The active ingredient passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.
Pregnancy Warning: Call your doctor straight away if you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Abraxane and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
- antibiotics such as erythromycin, rifampicin
- antifungal medicines like ketoconazole
- antidepressants like fluoxetine
- seizure medicines like carbamazepine, phenytoin
- blood lipid medicines like gemfibrozil
- heartburn/ulcer medicines like cimetidine
- HIV/AIDS medicines like ritonavir, saquinavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, efavirenz, nevirapine
- blood clot prevention medicine clopidogrel
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful with activities that require alertness as Abraxane may cause tiredness or dizziness.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material. Consult your doctor about alcohol consumption during treatment.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Some people may feel tired or dizzy after being given Abraxane. If this happens to you, do not drive or use any tools or machines. Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Abraxane affects you.
Storage
Abraxane will be stored in the pharmacy or on the ward. The injection is kept in a cool, dry place, protected from light, where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Overdose Information
As Abraxane is given under medical supervision, it is very unlikely that you will receive too much. However, if you experience severe side effects after being given this medicine, tell your doctor or nurse immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose include the same side effects listed but are usually more severe in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each infusion takes about 30 minutes. The treatment schedule varies by cancer type: breast cancer patients typically receive treatment once every three weeks, while lung and pancreatic cancer patients receive weekly treatments. Your doctor will determine how many cycles you need.
Abraxane can lower your white blood cell count, increasing infection risk. Avoid people with infections, check with your doctor if you get fever or chills, be careful with dental hygiene, avoid contact sports, and watch for signs of infection like sore throat or difficulty urinating.
Abraxane breakdown products may be present in body fluids for one week after treatment. Flush toilets twice, wear gloves when cleaning spills, wash contaminated clothing separately, dispose of soiled items properly, and use barrier methods during sexual intercourse.
Tell your surgeon or anesthetist that you are being treated with Abraxane, as it may affect other medicines used during surgery. Your doctor will advise you on the timing of any surgical procedures.
Tell any doctors, dentists, and pharmacists treating you that you are receiving Abraxane, especially if you are starting any new medicines. This helps prevent harmful drug interactions.
No, Abraxane is not recommended during pregnancy as it may cause birth defects. Both men and women should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Contact your doctor immediately if pregnancy occurs during treatment.
Your doctor will regularly check your blood pressure and do blood tests to monitor your progress and detect any side effects. It’s important to keep all follow-up appointments to ensure safe and effective treatment.
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.