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Abraxane |
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AbraxaneGeneric name:
Trade name: Abraxane *
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Other names: Drug type:
ABRAXANE is a prescription medicine used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body after treatment with certain other medicines has not worked Paclitaxel is the active agent in ABRAXANE. It is a potent anticancer drug that stops cancer cells from growing and dividing by interfering with certain cell structures and killing the cancer cells. Paclitaxel can slow tumor growth or temporarily stop tumor growth altogether. Solvent-based paclitaxel (Taxol® Injection) contains chemicals that are needed to dissolve the drug before it can be injected into the bloodstream. These solvents can cause side effects; therefore, patients usually need to take additional medications before they receive solvent-based paclitaxel to reduce the risk of getting these solvent-related side effects. ABRAXANE offers a different approach for treating metastatic breast cancer with paclitaxel by using an albumin formulation to deliver the paclitaxel. Albumin is a human protein that carries nutrients throughout the body. Because ABRAXANE does not contain solvents, there is a reduced risk of certain hypersensitivity-related side effects, so additional medications, such as steroids and antihistamines, are not necessary. Side Effects:Hair loss (alopecia)Loss of eyebrows, eyelashes, pubic hair, and scalp hair can occur suddenly but usually occurs 14 to 21 days after you begin treatment. Your hair will grow back once the ABRAXANE treatment has ended.
Infections due to low white blood cell count (neutropenia)White blood cells are among the body’s defenses against bacterial infections. ABRAXANE usually causes a brief drop in white blood cells, and you may be more susceptible to infection and fever. Between your treatment cycles, you will have blood tests to check your white blood cell counts.
Numbness, tingling, or burning of hands and feet (sensory neuropathy)These side effects, known as sensory neuropathy, occur often and usually improve without medication within a month of interrupting treatment (average 22 days for severe side effects).
Fatigue and weakness (asthenia)Tiredness and weakness after treatment are known as asthenia. They usually do not require interrupting or modifying treatment.
Joint and muscle painSoreness of the joints and muscles may occur shortly after treatment begins, but usually disappears within a few days.
Low red blood cell count (anemia)Anemia occurs when there are not enough red blood cells in your blood. It may make you feel tired, appear pale, and experience shortness of breath. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Mouth or lip sores (mucositis)Mouth or lip sores may occur a few days after starting treatment. This side effect usually disappears within 1 week.
Upset stomach and diarrheaNausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea may occur following treatment. If you experience nausea or stomach upset, tell your doctor, because medicines can be given to reduce or eliminate these symptoms. Diarrhea will usually disappear without treatment; however, tell your doctor right away if you experience severe abdominal or stomach area pain and/or severe diarrhea.
Irritation at the injection siteYou may experience discomfort, redness, swelling, inflammation, or a deep sore or break in the skin at the site of the injection.
Low heart rate (bradycardia)It is possible to experience a drop in your heart rate, but patients do not usually notice this change, which usually does not require treatment. You should tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease. Low blood pressure (hypotension)If you experience dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath, talk to your doctor.
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Last Updated on Monday, 05 April 2010 07:14 |