Paclitaxel Protein-bound

Trade Name: Abraxane

Type of Drug: Paclitaxel Protein-bound (Abraxane) belongs to the general group of chemotherapy drugs known as taxanes.

How Drug Works: Abraxane stops cell division, resulting in cell death.

How Drug Is Given: Abraxane is given by an injection into a vein over 30 minutes every 3 weeks. Pre-medication to prevent hypersensitivity reactions is not necessary. You will probably get an anti-nausea medicine before receiving the Abraxane. The dose depends on your weight and the side effects you are having.

Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor: If you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. This drug may cause birth defects if either the male or female is taking it at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Men and women who are taking this drug need to use some kind of birth control. However, do not use oral contraceptives (“the pill”) without checking with your doctor. If you think you may want to have children in the future. Many chemotherapy drugs can cause sterility. If you have any of the following medical problems: chickenpox or exposure to chickenpox, gout, heart disease, congestive heart failure, shingles, kidney stones, liver disease, or other forms of cancer. If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.

Should I avoid any other medicines, foods, alcohol, and/or activities? Your prescription and nonprescription medicines may interact with other drugs, causing harm. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medicine—prescription or nonprescription—without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, food, or other medicines. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and affect activities such as driving.

Precautions: Abraxane can lower your blood counts (white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets). Your doctor will check your blood counts before and after each treatment. Your doctor or nurse will give you specific instructions if your blood counts are low. When your blood counts are low, your treatment may be delayed or the dose could be reduced. Abraxane can decrease your white blood cell count, especially 7 to 10 days after the drug is given. This can increase your risk of getting an infection. Report fever of 100.5°F or higher, or signs of infection such as pain in passing your urine, or coughing, and bringing up sputum. Take extra precautions, wash hands more often and try to avoid people who are sick. Abraxane can decrease your platelet count. This can increase your risk of bleeding. DO NOT take any aspirin or aspirin-containing medicines. Report unusual bruising, or bleeding such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums when you brush your teeth, or black, tarry stools. Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth, and clipping your finger and toenails. Getting a wig before starting treatment may make it easier to deal with hair loss. Talk to your nurse or doctor about this. If your insurance does not cover it, there may be other resources to help you. Hair loss is temporary, and your hair will grow back after treatment. While you are being treated with Abraxane, and after you stop treatment, do not have any immunizations (vaccinations) without your doctor’s okay. Try to avoid contact with people who have recently taken the oral polio vaccine. Check with your doctor about this.

Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug. Side Effects: Most of the following side effects probably will not occur. Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you. They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them. More Common Side Effects Decreased white blood cell count with increased risk of infection Tiredness (fatigue) Numbness and tingling in hands and/or feet related to irritation of nerves Muscle and bone aches for a few days Hair loss Nausea EKG abnormalities Less Common Side Effects Diarrhea Vomiting Shortness of breath Visual disturbances Rare Side Effects Low blood pressure Vein Irritation Sore mouth Cough Edema (Swelling) Liver impairment Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you develop burning or pain in your hands or feet. Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems. FDA Approval: This drug is approved for cancer treatment.