Taxotere (Docetaxel) for Lung Cancer

Overview
Taxotere is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), along with other types of cancer. Taxotere is typically prescribed when prior platinum-based chemotherapy treatments have not been effective. It may also be used with cisplatin for individuals with NSCLC that is locally advanced or metastatic (spread beyond the lung). Taxotere is also known by its drug name, docetaxel.

Taxotere belongs to a class of medications called microtubule inhibitors. It works by interfering with the microtubule structures in cancer cells, which are essential for cell division and growth. By disrupting these structures, Taxotere inhibits cancer cell division and can reduce tumor growth.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Taxotere is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, typically administered over the course of one hour every three weeks in a health care facility equipped to handle potential side effects. People usually receive a corticosteroid medication like dexamethasone before each Taxotere treatment to reduce the risk of side effects such as fluid retention. It is essential for Taxotere to be administered exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Taxotere include infections, neutropenia (low levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell), anemia (low red blood cell count), febrile neutropenia (fever with low neutrophils), hypersensitivity reactions, thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), neuropathy (nerve pain), dysgeusia (altered taste), dyspnea (difficulty breathing), constipation, anorexia (loss of appetite), nail disorders, fluid retention, asthenia (weakness), pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, mucositis (inflammation of mucous membranes), alopecia (hair loss), skin reactions, and myalgia (muscle pain).

Rare but serious side effects may include toxic deaths, severe liver toxicity, and severe fluid retention. Other serious effects can include tumor lysis syndrome (rapid cancer cell breakdown that can damage organs), secondary cancers, cystoid macular edema (eye disorder causing vision issues), severe neurologic (nerve-related) reactions, and hypersensitivity reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Taxotere — Drugs.com

Docetaxel Injection — MedlinePlus