Indications
Nab-Paclitaxel is a form of the cancer medicine Paclitaxel bound to tiny particles of albumin, a natural blood protein. It is used to treat certain cancers, including advanced or spreading breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and cancer of the pancreas, often together with other cancer medicines.
How It Works
Paclitaxel stops cancer cells from dividing by locking the internal structures (microtubules) that cells need to split into two. The albumin carrier helps deliver the medicine into the tumour and allows it to be given without the solvents used in older forms, so pre-treatment for allergic reactions is not usually needed.
Dosage and Administration
It is given as an infusion into a vein by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or cancer centre. The dose is worked out from body size, the type of cancer and blood test results, and is given as prescribed in repeated cycles. It must not be swapped with other Paclitaxel products, as the doses are different.
Interactions
Medicines that affect liver enzymes (for example Ketoconazole, Clarithromycin, Rifampicin, Carbamazepine) can change its levels. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment. Your cancer team will check all your medicines, including herbal products.
Contraindications
- Very low white blood cell (neutrophil) count before treatment
- Severe allergy to Paclitaxel or albumin
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Side Effects
Common effects include low blood counts, tiredness, hair loss, numbness or tingling in hands and feet (nerve damage), nausea, diarrhoea, mouth sores, muscle and joint pain and rash.
Get urgent medical help if you have a fever of 38°C or more, chills, cough or breathlessness, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe diarrhoea or vomiting, or signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or trouble breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
It can harm an unborn baby. Women should avoid pregnancy during treatment and for at least 6 months after; men should use contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after. Do not breastfeed during treatment.
Precautions and Warnings
Blood counts are checked before each dose. Tell your doctor about liver problems, existing nerve damage, heart or lung disease. Report any cough or breathlessness, as rare lung inflammation can occur. Avoid crowds and people with infections when your blood count is low.
Overdose
Overdose is managed in hospital. It may cause severe low blood counts, nerve damage and mouth sores. There is no specific antidote; supportive care is given.
Therapeutic Class
Antineoplastic (anticancer) medicine, taxane.
Storage
Hospital medicine: stored and prepared as directed on the pack by pharmacy or nursing staff, kept away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.