Docexan 80

Indications

Docetaxel is a chemotherapy medicine used, alone or with other cancer medicines, for:

• breast cancer, both early (after surgery) and advanced;
• non-small cell lung cancer;
• prostate cancer, including advanced cancer that has spread;
• stomach cancer;
• head and neck cancer.

The cancer specialist decides whether it is suitable and which combination to use.

How It Works

Docetaxel belongs to the taxane group. Cells need tiny structures called microtubules to divide. Docetaxel locks these structures in place, so cancer cells cannot divide and they die. Fast-growing healthy cells, such as those in the bone marrow, hair roots and gut lining, can also be affected, which causes many of the side effects.

Dosage and Administration

Docetaxel is given only in hospital by a doctor or nurse experienced in cancer treatment, as a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion), usually over 1 hour. The dose is as prescribed, worked out from body size (body surface area), and is usually repeated every 3 weeks for a set number of cycles.

A steroid medicine (such as Dexamethasone) is usually taken for a few days around each treatment to lower the risk of allergic reactions and fluid build-up. Take these tablets exactly as instructed. Blood tests are done before each cycle; the dose may be changed or delayed if blood counts are low or the liver is affected.

Interactions

Medicines that block the CYP3A4 enzyme, such as Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin and Ritonavir, can raise Docetaxel levels and increase side effects. Live vaccines must be avoided during treatment. Some Docetaxel products contain alcohol, which may matter for people taking certain sedatives or Metronidazole. Tell your cancer team about all medicines, vitamins and herbal products you take.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Docetaxel or to polysorbate 80 (an ingredient)
• Very low white blood cell (neutrophil) count before treatment
• Severe liver disease
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Side Effects

Common: hair loss, low blood counts with a higher risk of infection, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, mouth sores, changes in taste, nail changes, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, fluid retention and swelling, skin reactions, watery eyes and muscle or joint aches.

Get medical help at once (contact your cancer team or go to hospital) for a temperature of 38°C or higher, shivering or feeling unwell, even if mild; flushing, rash, chest tightness or difficulty breathing during or after the drip; severe or long-lasting diarrhoea or vomiting; sudden breathlessness or swelling; or blurred or reduced vision.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Docetaxel can seriously harm an unborn baby and must not be used in pregnancy. Women should use reliable contraception during treatment and for several months afterwards, and men should use condoms during treatment and for several months afterwards, as the specialist advises. It may reduce fertility, so discuss this before treatment. Do not breastfeed during treatment.

Precautions and Warnings

• Blood counts and liver tests are checked before each dose.
• Avoid people with infections where possible and report any sign of infection early.
• Tell your team about numbness, tingling, swelling or vision changes.
• Products containing alcohol can affect driving soon after the infusion.

Overdose

Overdose is unlikely because the dose is prepared and given by trained staff in hospital. If it happens, there is no specific antidote; blood counts are watched closely and supportive treatment is given.

Therapeutic Class

Anticancer medicine (cytotoxic chemotherapy, taxane).

Storage

Stored by the hospital pharmacy as the product leaflet directs (some products below 25°C, others in a fridge at 2 to 8°C), in the original pack to protect from light, and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze.