How does it work?

Docetaxel is one of a group of anti-cancer medicines called 'taxanes'. Cancers form when some cells within the body multiply uncontrollably and abnormally. These cells then spread and destroy nearby tissues. Docetaxel acts by slowing this process down. It kills cancer cells by acting on the DNA (the genetic material within the cells) and preventing them from dividing. Docetaxel is used for the treatment of advanced breast cancer or breast cancer that has spread to other areas of the body (metastatic breast cancer). In people who have not previously received chemotherapy for the disease it is used in combination with another chemotherapy medicine called doxorubicin. In people who have previously had unsuccessful treatment with chemotherapy containing an anthracycline medicine, such as doxorubicin, or an alkylating agent, such as cyclophosphamide, it is used on its own. Docetaxel is also used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that is advanced or has spread to other areas of the body (metastasised). Unfortunately, docetaxel also stops the division of normal, healthy cells and therefore it may produce serious side-effects during long-term treatment. The most important side effect is in the bone marrow where blood cells are made. Regular blood tests may therefore be needed to monitor the activity of the bone marrow and prevent the damage from becoming permanent. Docetaxel is given by slow infusion into the veins (intravenously). In certain cases, a short course of steroids may be prescribed together with docetaxel to reduce any allergic reactions and fluid retention which may occur.

What is it used for?

Breast cancer

Lung cancer

Use with caution in

Decreased liver function

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

Low levels of a type of white blood cell (neutrophils) in the blood (neutropenia)

Severely decreased liver function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Constipation

Diarrhoea

Abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias)

Decreased production of blood cells by the bone marrow (bone marrow suppression)

Increased tendency to bleed

Fever (pyrexia)

Retention of water in the body tissues (fluid retention), resulting in swelling (oedema)

Nausea and vomiting

Low red blood cell count (anaemia)

Inflammation of the lining of the mouth (stomatitis)

Hair loss (alopecia)

Allergy to one or more of the ingredients (hypersensitivity)

Decreased immunity to infections (immunosuppression)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine decreases the body's ability to fight infections. Therefore the effectiveness of vaccines may be reduced and generalised infections may occur in individuals given live vaccines. Few clinical studies have been carried out but it is believed that the action of docetaxel and the severity of adverse effects may be affected by: -erythromycin -ketoconazole -terfenadine -cyclosporin

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