docetaxel

In clinical studies, treatment-related deaths occurred in a small number of people receiving docetaxel (Taxotere). These people either received higher doses of the medication (100 mg/m^2^), had liver problems, or were treated with docetaxel (Taxotere) for non-small cell lung cancer after previously receiving a platinum-based chemotherapy regimen. Talk to your provider if you’re concerned about this risk.

If you have liver problems, your body might have a harder time getting rid of docetaxel (Taxotere). This can cause higher levels of the medication in your body, which can raise your risk for serious side effects, such as infections, bleeding or bruising, mouth sores, skin reactions, and even death. Because of this risk, your provider will do blood work to check your liver health before you start and during treatment with docetaxel (Taxotere).

Docetaxel (Taxotere) can cause your white blood cell and platelet counts to drop. When the number of these cells are lower than normal, you’re at risk of developing infections and bleeding or bruising. Your provider will closely monitor your blood counts through routine lab work while you’re receiving docetaxel (Taxotere). If your blood counts are low, you might have to skip or delay your infusion. Let your provider know as soon as possible if you experience fevers, chills, or bleeding and bruising that doesn’t stop or go away, because you might need to stop this medication.

Docetaxel (Taxotere) can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. They can happen at any time, but most commonly occur with the first and second infusions. To lower this risk, you’ll be given a corticosteroid medication before your docetaxel (Taxotere) injections. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to a similar anticancer medication called paclitaxel (Taxol) before, let your provider know so they can monitor you more closely when starting docetaxel (Taxotere). Contact your provider or get medical help right away if you experience any throat tightness, trouble breathing, fever, chills, hives, flushing, chest pain, fast heartbeat, or dizziness.

Docetaxel (Taxotere) can cause swelling or fluid buildup in your body, usually in the arms or legs. This can be worse if you have other conditions that make it hard for your body to get rid of fluids, such as congestive heart failure or kidney disease. To lower this risk, you’ll be given a corticosteroid medication before your docetaxel (Taxotere) injections. If fluid buildup occurs, it will generally improve after a few weeks to months after your last infusion. During treatment, let your provider know if you have more swelling than normal, sudden weight gain, or have shortness of breath.

While rare, some people treated with regimens containing docetaxel (Taxotere) have developed secondary cancers like lymphoma and blood cancers. This is when a cancer develops while you’re taking medication for a condition that you already have. The development of a secondary cancer can happen months or years after docetaxel (Taxotere) treatment. Talk to your provider if you’re concerned about your risk for other cancers.

Docetaxel (Taxotere) can cause fluid buildup in the eye, which can lead to vision problems. This can be serious, so if you notice any changes in vision, let your provider know right away so they can check your eyes.

Based on animal studies, docetaxel (Taxotere) can harm an unborn baby or raise the risk for miscarriage (pregnancy loss). Because of these risks, if you’re a woman who can get pregnant, you’ll likely need to take a pregnancy test to make sure you’re not pregnant before you start the medication. In addition, regardless of your sex, if you or your partner can get pregnant, use birth control during and after treatment with docetaxel (Taxotere). Let your provider know right away if you or your partner become pregnant during this time.

Treatment with docetaxel (Taxotere) can cause a serious reaction called tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). TLS is when many cancer cells die quickly and break down in your body. This causes a rapid release of the cells’ contents, like uric acid, potassium, and phosphorus, into your blood. High levels of uric acid and electrolytes in your body can cause serious kidney damage and abnormal heart rhythms.