Generic Name/Composition: Docegem/Docemax 120 mg
Therapeutic classification: Antimicrotubule Agent
Substitute Medicine: Taxocare, Docax
Docetaxel injection is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat certain types of breast, lung, prostate, stomach, and head and neck cancers.
Docetaxel injection is in a class of medications called taxanes. It works by stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Vomiting.
Constipation.
Changes in taste (Arrhythmia) or Pounding Heartbeat (Palpitations)
Extreme tiredness or Feet (Edema)
Dizziness
Decreased White blood cell count
Increased Liver Enzymes
Potassium Levels in Blood
Lung Irritation (allergic alveolitis)
Patchy skin/Pale skin tone
Nausea or vomiting
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Urinary tract infection
Reducing bone strength resulting in frequent fractures
Diarrhea
Increased cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia) and triglycerides
Anemia
Hypokalemia
Upper abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Note: Please refer a doctor immediately in case of any such side effects. Symptoms should not be ignored as it may lead to higher risks
The side effects of the medicine make it necessary for regular checkups and monitoring by medical advisor.
It is advised that the Docetaxel be administered 1 hour before meal or 2 hours after your meal. Docetaxel has adverse reactions to certain types of food resulting in serious side effects such as high blood pressure, muscle weakness, paralysis, and breathing difficulties. The medicine needs to be strictly administered on empty stomach on advisement from the doctor.
Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited to patient undergoing administration of Docetaxel.
Use as prescribed by the physician
10mg/mL (2mL, 8mL, 16mL vials)
Docetaxel to be administered 20mg/mL (1mL, 4mL vials)
Medicine to be strictly administered on empty stomach
In case of overdose or missed dose, doctor should be referred immediately.
Store Docetaxel at room temperature 15-25ºC (59-77°F).
Not advised for patients suffering from hepatic impairment, cardiovascular disease, and kidney problems.
Not recommended for use in pediatric patients or females.
Docetaxel can cause fetal harm, effective contraception methods must be used by patient under the administration for prevention of transfer of medication through bodily fluids.
Do not donate sperm during administration of the medicine. Refer a doctor before donation.
Ques: How should I take Docetaxel?
Ans:
Docetaxel should be strictly taken as per your prescription from your doctor treating you with the specific cancer.
It is advisable not to change and/or stop your dose without prior discussion/suggestion of your doctor.
Docetaxel should be taken on empty stomach.
Consume the whole tablet. Do not crush, chew or dissolve the medicine.
In case of grave side effects refer your doctor or visit the hospital emergency immediately.
Ques: What are necessary precautions to be followed while administration of Docetaxel?
Ans: Docetaxel may cause side effects and/or use impacts if administered with other medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Before starting Docetaxel, your doctor should be completely aware of your medical history, previous ongoing treatments and prescriptions. Specific precautions that need to be taken:
For Males
Who are with female partners who are pregnant or so plan should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment. Transfer of medicine through bodily fluids can leave an irreparable damage to the fetus.
Avoid sperm donation during the treatment. Donation should only be made with prior consultation by the doctor.
For Females
Having male counterparts consuming Docetaxel planning to be pregnant should use effective birth control (contraception) during the treatment period.
Who are breastfeeding should take necessary precautions. The medicine is highly toxic for the baby and has shown significant harmful effects in their development.
Ques: Before starting treatment with Docetaxel do I need to disclose my pre-existing medical conditions to the doctor?
Ans: Yes. It is recommended that complete medical history be disclosed to your physician before starting treatment with Docetaxel. An alternate medication is likewise recommended. Further, you need to necessarily disclose to your physician if you have:
Hepatic impairment;
Any cardiovascular disease;
Lung or breathing problems;
Kidney problems; or
Blood pressure problems.
Ques: What are the common side effects of Docetaxel?
Ans: The most common side effects are:
Nausea or vomiting
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Urinary tract infection
Reducing bone strength resulting in frequent fractures
Diarrhea
Increased cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia) and triglycerides
Anemia
Hypokalemia
Upper abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Persistence in any of the symptoms may lead to fatal side effects. Refer your doctor immediately if you suffer any such symptoms for alternate medicine or additional medication to curb them.
Ques: Can I take Docetaxel in any type of cancer?
Ans: Docetaxel is not a cancer treatment drug. It is a hormonal treatment to slow growth of prostate cancer in men.
Specific studies to prove its efficiency/cure in any other type of cancer is yet not available.
Ques: Can I take Docetaxel without referring a doctor?
Ans: No. Self-medication is strictly prohibited. Docetaxel is known to have serious side effects. Prior consultation by a cancer specialist is strongly recommended. Also patients with pre-existing medical conditions need to disclose their medical history top their doctors before starting treatment with Docetaxel.
Ques: Can I consume alcohol while under treatment with Docetaxel?
Ans: Consumption of alcohol during administration of Docetaxel should be avoided. Though no studies support any reaction of the medicine with alcohol, doctor’s instructions should be sought before consumption.
Ques: Can I take Docetaxel on empty stomach?
Ans: Yes. Docetaxel is advised to be taken empty stomach to curb the side effects of the medicine when taken with food. Adverse effects such as a high blood pressure, muscle weakness, paralysis, and breathing difficulties are common symptoms noticed if medicine is taken along with food. Interval of 1 hour before meal and 2 hours after meal is advised for administration of the medicine.
Ques: Is it common to have a low blood cell count during treatment with Docetaxel?
Ans: Yes. Low blood cell count is a symptom. However, it is advisable to bring it to the notice of your physician. Persistent low blood cell count may lead to serious side effects.
Ques: Is it important to get a regular blood cell count done up during treatment from Docetaxel?
Ans: Yes. Usage of Docetaxel often leads to low blood cell count. To continue taking the medicine during the treatment period, it is advisable to get a regular blood cell count done up.
Ques: Why is prednisolone advised while under regular administration of Docetaxel?
Ans: Administration of Docetaxel leads to side effects such as high blood pressure, fluid retention (having too much water in your body), or having reduced levels of potassium in your blood. The risk of the side effects can be fatal. In order to counteract the side-effects of Docetaxel, your doctor advises prednisolone.
Ques: Is it common to have swelling in feet or around ankles while administration of Docetaxel?
Ans: Swelling of feet and ankles is a serious side-effect to the medicine. Immediate referral of a doctor is advised to curb additional effects. Self-medication to overcome symptoms is strictly prohibited.
Ques: Is Docetaxel safe to be used for treating cancer in pediatric patients or females?
Ans: Docetaxel is a hormonal treatment drug administered to males only undergoing treatment of prostate cancer. No definite study supports the use of Docetaxel in pediatric patients or females for any other type of cancer.
Ques: Does the consumption of Docetaxel have any sexual effects?
Ans: Yes. Reduced sex drive (libido) is a common medicinal side effect noticed due to the presence of the compound Docemax.