Paclitaxel is a chemotherapeutic anticancer treatment drug which was approved for its medical use on December 1992.

Paclitaxel has been developed to treat certain forms of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and AIDS-induced Kaposis sarcoma in patients who have not responded well to previous anticancer therapies.

Paclitaxel is available in the form of injection in the doses 30mg, 100mg, 260mg and 300mg. Your healthcare provider will calculate the ideal dose according to your condition and administer it as an intravenous infusion after dilution.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Although all drugs can cause side effects, not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects of Paclitaxel include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hair loss
• Rashes
• Decreased blood counts
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Infections
• Changes in liver function tests
• Abnormal heartbeat
• Decreased appetite
• Swelling of hands and feet
• Dehydration
• Numbness and tingling sensation

Serious side effects of Paclitaxel include:

• Allergic reactions
• Fever
• Breathing trouble
• Other unusual reactions (immediate medical attention required)

• Sensory neuropathy: It may occur frequently and could require dose reduction or treatment interruption.
• Sepsis: It can occur in patients receiving Paclitaxel in combination with gemcitabine, with or without neutropenia. Treatment should be interrupted until sepsis resolves and neutrophils are at least 1500 cells/mm³, then resume treatment at reduced dose levels.
• Pneumonitis: It occurs with the use of Paclitaxel in combination with gemcitabine; permanently discontinue treatment with both drugs.
• Hepatic impairment: It can increase exposure and toxicity of paclitaxel. Consider dose reduction and closely monitor patients with hepatic impairment.
• Fetal harm: Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus and recommend effective contraception, as Paclitaxel can cause fetal harm.
• Contraindications: Do not take Paclitaxel Injection if allergic to paclitaxel, polyoxyethylated castor oil, or any of its ingredients.
• Monitoring: Periodic monitoring of complete blood counts, blood sugar, electrolytes, liver panel, and kidney parameters is advised to prevent serious complications.
• Inform your doctor: If you have a history of stomach ulcers, anaemia, lung disease, heart, liver, skin, or kidney problems.
• Pre-surgery precautions: Inform your physician before undergoing surgery or dental procedures.

 It is not known if Paclitaxel causes harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider before beginning this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. It is advised for both men and women to follow proper contraceptive methods during and for 3 months after the last dose of Paclitaxel. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while you are on the treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose of Paclitaxel.

Ensure that you stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet. Avoid driving or operating heavy machines if you experience dizziness or tiredness while on treatment with Paclitaxel. 

1. Anton Wellstein, Giuseppe Giaccone, Michael B. Atkins, and Edward A. Sausville, Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Cytotoxic Drugs, 13th Edition, 2018, 1167-1201.

2. Pfizer, [Revised on Apr 2021] [Accessed on 5th Oct 2022], https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=4559

3. Abraxis BioScience, LLC., [Revised on Aug 2020] [Accessed on 5th Oct 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/021660s047lbl.pdf

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.