Docetaxel
(Taxotere, United States and Canada)

More drugs used for Cancer.

Use:

Docetaxel or Taxotere is used in advanced breast and lung cancer.

How It Works:

Docetaxel or Taxotere is similar in activity to the other taxoid, paclitaxel, and is as effective.
Docetaxel or Taxotere works at different stage than paclitaxel. It enhances a cell's microtubule assembly which disrupts the cell's building blocks and ultimately the cell dies - the cancer is gone.

Side Effects:

Docetaxel or Taxotere has significant toxicities, and thus is considered second line therapy. Hypersensitivity and fluid retention can be problematic, but pre treatment with dexamethasone will reduce the severity of these side effects. More serious is neutropenia - a blood disorder.

Cautions for People:

People with liver damage and blood disorders require reduced doses and/or careful monitoring.

Drug Interactions:

Because Docetaxel or Taxotere affect sites in the liver it can interact with other drugs, for example erythromycin.

Further Reading:

FDC Reports 1996;58(21):3
J Clin Oncol 1996;14:58
J Clin Oncol 1995;13:2648, 2865, 2879, 2886
Drugs 1996;51(6):1075

Added to Virtual Drugstore November 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.

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