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Drug Details

TAXOL

• Drug Class Description
  Taxanes.
• Generic Name
  Paclitaxel
• Presentation
  Infusion, paclitaxel 6 mg /mL.
• Description
  Vials containing 30mg, 100mg or 300mg in vials as a 6mg/mL solution.
• Indications
  Primary treatment of advanced or residual ovarian cancer in combination with cisplatin. Secondary treatment of metastatic ovarian cancer where platinum therapy has failed. Metastatic breast cancer where anthracycline therapy has failed or is inappropriate. Non-small cell lung cancer in combination with cisplatin where surgery or radiation is inappropriate.
• Adult Dosage
  

  Primary treatment of ovarian cancer, 135 mg/m2 by intravenous infusion over 24 hours followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m 2, with a three-week interval between courses. Secondary treatment of ovarian and breast cancer, 175 mg/m 2 by intravenous infusion over 3 hours, with a three-week 3 hours, with a three-week interval between courses.

  Non-small cell lung cancer, 175 mg/m2 by intravenous infusion over 3 hours followed by cisplatin 80 mg/m2, with a three-week interval between courses. Pretreat with corticosteroids, antihistamines and H - antagonists; see Summary of 2 Product Characteristics.

• Child Dosage
  Not applicable.
• Contra Indications
  Severe hypersensitivity to paclitaxel or any ingredient, especially polyethoxylated castor oil. Neutrophils < 1.5 x 10 9 per litre. Pregnancy, lactation.
• Special Precautions
  Monitor blood counts. Cardiac conduction abnormalities, peripheral neuropathy. Not recommended in severe hepatic impairment.
• Interactions
  Administer before cisplatin.
• Adverse Drug Reactions
  

  Myelosuppression, peripheral neuropathy (reduce dose if severe); alopecia, arthralgia, myalgia, hypotension, bradycardia, GI disturbances, elevations in liver function tests, oedema, inj. site reactions. Rarely hypersensitivity reactions (ensure supportive equipment available), cardiovascular conduction abnormalities.