Paclitaxel

Drug Name: Paclitaxel

Drug Class: It is a chemotherapy drug, Taxane Derivative

Available under the trade name – Taxol

What Is It Prescribed For?

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Head and neck cancers
• Upper GI cancers like esophagus and gastric cancers
• Pancreatic cancer
• Non-small cell lung cancer 
• Kaposi’s sarcoma (a type of cancer that causes patches of abnormal tissue growth under the skin) in patients who have AIDS

How Is It Given?

It is given as an infusion into a vein using an IV codon set over 3 or 24 hours, once every 2 – 3 weeks.

What Are Common Side Effects?

You may face some of these side effects:

• Decreased blood counts
• Skin rashes, dry skin, itchy skin
• Hair loss
• Inflammation and soreness of mouth and gut
• Diarrhea
• Decreased blood pressure
• Weakness 
• Numbness, tingling sensation, and pain, usually in the hands and feet
• Tiredness and lack of energy

Your doctor can prescribe medication to control these side effects. Paclitaxel may also cause other side effects. If you face any unusual or serious problems, inform your doctor immediately. 

Who Should Avoid Taking This Drug?

Patients with the following characteristics should avoid taking this drug:

• History of hypersensitivity to Paclitaxel or any of its ingredients
• Extremely low levels of white blood cells

How Much Does This Drug Cost?

Available in 30mg, 100mg, 110mg, 200mg, 260mg, and 300mg vials. Depending on the brand, the cost of Paclitaxel 100mg can range between INR 3500 – INR 18500 per vial.