Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Paclitaxel
Other Names: Onxol Solution for Injection, Taxol Solution for Injection
Drug Class: Mitotic Inhibitors
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: Yes
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Taxol Solution for Injection? (Back to top)
PACLITAXEL is a chemotherapy drug. It targets fast dividing cells, like cancer cells, and causes these cells to die. This medicine is used to treat ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and other cancers. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood disorders
• irregular heartbeat
• infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
• liver disease
• previous or ongoing radiation therapy
• an unusual or allergic reaction to paclitaxel, alcohol, polyoxyethylated castor oil, other chemotherapy agents, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
This drug is given as an infusion into a vein. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• disulfiram
• metronidazole

• cyclosporine
• dexamethasone
• diazepam
• ketoconazole
• medicines to increase blood counts like filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, sargramostim
• other chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, etoposide, teniposide, vincristine
• quinidine
• testosterone
• vaccines
• verapamil

• acetaminophen
• aspirin
• ibuprofen
• ketoprofen
• naproxen

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• low blood counts - This drug may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding.
• signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
• signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, nosebleeds
• signs of decreased red blood cells - unusually weak or tired, fainting spells, lightheadedness
• breathing problems
• chest pain
• high or low blood pressure
• mouth sores
• nausea and vomiting
• pain, swelling, redness or irritation at the injection site
• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• swelling of the ankle, feet, hands

• bone pain
• complete hair loss including hair on your head, underarms, pubic hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes
• changes in the color of fingernails
• diarrhea
• loosening of the fingernails
• loss of appetite
• muscle or joint pain
• red flush to skin
• sweating

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. You will need important blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.

In some cases, you may be given additional medicines to help with side effects. Follow all directions for their use.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.

Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.

Men are advised not to father a child while receiving this medicine.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:April 04, 2008

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