Drugs

Taxotere

Generic Name: Docetaxel
Product Name: Taxotere

Indication of Taxotere:

Taxotere is used in the treatment of advanced cancers where other chemotherapy regimens have failed. It is used for:
  • treatment locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with capecitabine after the failure of anthracycline chemotherapy
  • adjuvant treatment of node positive breast cancer in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide
  • treatment in combination with trastuzumab of metastatic breast cancer where the tumour overexpresses HER2 and it has not previously received chemotherapy for metastases
  • treatment of metastatic or locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer including those that have failed platinum-based chemotherapy
  • treatment of metastatic carcinoma of the ovaries where first line or subsequent chemotherapy has failed
  • treatment of androgen independent (hormone refractory) prostate cancer

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Action of Taxotere:

Docetaxel is an antimetabolite agent known as a taxane. Taxanes are cytotoxic agents that work on a molecule called tubulin. Tubulin is a protein important in the building of microtubules, which are vital in separation of chromosomes during cell division. Taxanes cause tubulin to be assembled into non-functional microtubules, which cells then can't disassemble. The non-functional microtubules cause the cells to become stranded halfway through cell division.

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Dose advice of Taxotere:

The required dosage of taxotere is complex. Consult your doctor.

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Schedule of Taxotere:

S4

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Common side effects of Taxotere:

  • Rash
  • sensitivity phenomena
  • alopecia
  • hand foot syndrome (combination therapy)
  • haematological effects
  • oedema
  • GI upset
  • hypertension
  • hypotension
  • neurosensory symptoms
  • injection site reaction
  • lacrimation +/- conjunctivitis
  • visual effects
  • ear, labyrinth disorders

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Uncommon side effects of Taxotere:

  • heart failure (with anthracycline)
  • chest pain
  • febrile neutropenia
  • thrombocytopenia

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Reference:

  1. MIMS Online. Taxotere. [cited 2007 October 30] MIMS Australia Pty Ltd 2006.

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Diseases treated by Taxotere:


For further information talk to your doctor.


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Article Dates:

calendar icon Created: 22/7/2003 calendar icon Modified: 31/10/2007 calendar icon Reviewed: 31/10/2007

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