Docetaxel is a chemotherapy medication that was approved to be used for its medical use on 19th May 2004.

Docetaxel is indicated for treating different types of cancers, which include the following, non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer and head and neck cancer. 

Docetaxel concentrate for solution for infusion (injections) is available in three doses of 20mg, 80mg and 120mg. 

Side effects: The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Docetaxel are headache, dizziness, fever, infections, loss of appetite, joint and muscle pain, trouble sleeping, low blood cell count, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, abdominal pain, feeling tired, dry mouth, changes in taste, eye problems, bleeding from nose, hair loss, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea and constipation. 

Before initiating the treatment with Docetaxel, your doctor will conduct blood tests for you to check if you have sufficient blood cells and liver function for getting treatment with this medication, if there is any disturbance in the white blood cells then you may experience infections or fever.  Inform you doctor immediately if you experience any pain or tenderness in the abdomen, diarrhea, blood stools, rectal hemorrhage or fever as it may be a sign of gastrointestinal toxicity. If you experience vision problems a=like blurred vision, then seek medical attention immediately. report to your doctor if you have experienced any allergy previously with paclitaxel therapy, or  if you have heart problems before starting treatment with docetaxel. During the treatment with this medication inform your doctor immediately if you develop any lung issues like shortness of breath, cough and fever.  

Docetaxel is not to be used in pregnant women unless prescribed by the doctor. Hence it is important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or think you might be before starting treatment with this medication. Breastfeeding must not be done while on treatment with this medication. Men and women both are advised to take proper contraception during treatment with this medication, as Docetaxel may be harmful for the unborn baby. If any pregnancy occurs by mistake, then inform the doctor immediately. docetaxel contains alcohol, hence driving must be avoided during treatment as the effect of this medication may impair the patient’s ability to drive. Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems before treatment with this medication. 

It is advised to use effective birth control for men and women taking Docetaxel. Women of reproductive potential must use effective contraception during and after six months of therapy. Male patients receiving Docetaxel treatment should refrain from fathering children and use reliable contraception for six months following the treatment. As docetaxel contains alcohol, inform your doctor if you have alcohol dependency, epilepsy or liver problems before starting treatment with this medication. Discuss any fertility concerns you have with your doctor before beginning treatment with this medication. Avoid any vaccinations during treatment and consult your doctor for more information. 

1. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Cytotoxic agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1707 - 1709.
2. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anticancer drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 866.
3. Seacross Pharma (Europe) Ltd, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [ Revised on May 2022] [ Accessed on 07 Jan 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7206.pdf
4. Sanofi-aventis US LLC, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on May 2020] [ Accessed on 07 Jan 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/020449s084lbl.pdf
5. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2004/20-449s028_Taxotere.cfm#:~:text=Approval%20Date%3A%205%2F19%2F2004 (Accessed on 07 Jan 2023)

The drug information on this page is different from medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.