Docetaxel belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medications known as antineoplastics, and specifically to the group of antineoplastics known as taxanes. Docetaxel kills cancer cells by interfering with the genetic material DNA, which is necessary for their growth and reproduction.

Docetaxel is used alone or in combination with other antineoplastic medications to treat cancers of the ovary, breast, prostate, or lung. It may also be used to treat head and neck cancer after a previous chemotherapy treatment has failed.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended dose and dosing schedule of docetaxel varies according to the specific type of cancer being treated, the response to therapy, and the other medications or treatments being used. The dose is also based on body size.

Docetaxel is usually injected into a vein through a site on the skin that has been prepared for this purpose. It is often scheduled to be given over a one-hour period once every 3 weeks.

Docetaxel is always given under the supervision of a doctor. Very careful handling of this medication is required. It is always administered in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation.

Before receiving your dose of docetaxel, you will be given some medication to reduce side effect symptoms. If you forget to take this medication, notify your doctor or nurse before you receive your treatment. Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor as suggested below in the section, "What side effects are possible with this medication?".

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important this medication be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive your dose, contact your doctor.

This medication is stored at room temperature, protected from light, and kept out of the reach of children.

Do not use docetaxel if you:

• are allergic to docetaxel, polysorbate 80, or any ingredients of the medication
• are pregnant or breast-feeding
• have a very low level of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood
• have severe liver disease

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• changes in taste sensation
• constipation
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• fluid retention
• loosening or loss of fingernails or toenails, or change in their colour
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• mild skin rash, redness, or itching
• muscle inflammation
• numbness, burning, or tingling in hands or feet
• pain in joints or muscles
• rash
• redness, heat, irritation or pain, swelling, or lump at the site of injection
• sores or ulcers in the mouth or on the lips or tongue
• stomach pain
• tearing of the eyes
• temporary loss of hair
• vomiting
• weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• fast or irregular heartbeat
• persistent diarrhea or vomiting
• second cancers (e.g., non-Hodgkin lymphoma, renal cancer)
• signs of anemia (low red blood cells; e.g., dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath)
• signs of breathing problems (e.g., shortness of breath, troubled breathing, wheezing, tightness in chest, fast or irregular breathing)
• signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood,  bleeding gums, cuts that don't stop bleeding)
• signs of electrolyte imbalance (e.g., muscle pain or cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat, lack of coordination, thirst, confusion)
• signs of infection (symptoms may include fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness)
• signs of kidney problems (e.g., increased urination at night, decreased urine production, blood in the urine, change of urine colour)
• signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• swelling of abdomen, face, fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs
• symptoms of heart problems (e.g., fast, irregular heartbeat or pulse, chest pain, sudden weight gain, difficulty breathing, leg swelling)
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vision problems

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
• signs of bleeding in the stomach (e.g., bloody, black, or tarry stools, spitting up of blood, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds)
• signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort
• symptoms of inflammation of the digestive system (e.g., abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea [with or without blood], loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, swollen abdomen, fatigue)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Alcohol and other medications that cause drowsiness: Docetaxel contains a significant amount of alcohol that may interact other medications. Do not combine this medication with alcohol or other medications that cause drowsiness (e.g., antidepressants, sleeping pills, anxiety medications), since additional drowsiness, sedation, coma, and possibly death can occur.

Allergic reaction: Some people may experience an allergic reaction (flushing of the face, severe back pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath) within the first few minutes of receiving docetaxel. You will be asked to take some medication prior to treatment with docetaxel to reduce your chances of experiencing a reaction.

Birth control: Effective birth control should be practiced while using this medication as this medication may harm the baby if used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

People who could become pregnant who are receiving docetaxel should use an effective method of birth control such as condoms during treatment and for 6 months after stopping the medication. Birth control pills should not be used as the only form of birth control.

Anyone receiving docetaxel whose partner is able to get pregnant should use effective birth control while receiving this medication and for at least 3 months after the last dose.

Blood clotting: Docetaxel can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily. Tell your doctor of any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly. Such symptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding.

Fluid retention: This medication can cause fluid retention, mainly involving the ankles and wrists. You will be prescribed medication to reduce your risk of experiencing fluid retention and your doctor will monitor you while you are receiving this medication.

Heart rhythm: Docetaxel can cause changes to the normal rhythm of the heart. This can cause serious life-threatening condition that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems (e.g., people with heart failure, angina, low potassium or magnesium levels), discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, this medication can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). Avoid contact with people who are sick, especially those who have contagious infections (e.g., colds, flu, chicken pox), and tell your doctor if you notice signs of an infection such as fever or chills.

Intestinal inflammation: Problems with the digestive tract have been reported with the use of docetaxel. If you have a history of digestive system problems, or experience symptoms such as abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea (which may be bloody), swollen abdomen, nausea and vomiting, or symptoms of bleeding in the digestive system, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Inflammation or bleeding in the digestive system can be fatal and needs to be treated as quickly as possible.

Leukemia: This medication may rarely cause a form of leukemia. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause increased side effects with this medication. If you have impaired liver function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. You may experience increased side effects from docetaxel.

Lung inflammation: Lung inflammation (interstitial lung disease), and lung infections cause difficulty breathing. This complication has occurred in some people taking this medication. This complication can be serious and sometimes fatal.

If you experience new or worsening shortness of breath or cough (with or without fever) at any time while you are taking teriflunomide contact your doctor immediately.

Nerve pain: People usually experience a mild burning, tingling, numbing sensation of the fingers and toes while taking this medication. This side effect is rarely severe and usually goes away once you finish treatment with docetaxel.

Skin: This medication may rarely cause a severe skin reaction involving peeling, blistering, and redness of the skin. This usually appears on the hands and feet, but may also occur on the arms, face, or body. Contact your doctor if this reaction occurs.

Tumour lysis syndrome: Docetaxel, like many other cancer medications, causes many cancer cells to be suddenly killed when treatment is first started. This can overwhelm the body with waste products from the cells. As a result, the body may not be able to keep up with getting rid of all the waste. When this happens, you may experience nausea, shortness of breath, notice cloudy urine or joint pain. This is called tumour lysis syndrome. Your doctor may prescribe some medications to help your body get rid of the waste products. Make sure you understand how to use these medications and report any of these signs or symptoms to your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate studies of use of this medication by pregnant people. This medication should not be taken during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if docetaxel passes into breast milk. People should not breast-feed while using docetaxel.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

Seniors: Seniors may be at increased risk of side effects from this medication.

For a full list of interactions, use the Drug Interaction Checker available on the Drugs.com website.

If you are taking other medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.