Taxotere® Chemotherapy Side Effects
Taxotere® (docetaxel) works by attacking cancer cells.
In the process of attacking cancer cells, Taxotere® chemotherapy treatment may harm healthy cells, such as blood cells and cells in the mouth, stomach, intestines, esophagus and hair follicles. This harm to healthy cells is what causes chemotherapy side effects.
WARNING: Some Taxotere® chemotherapy side effects may be dangerous and even life-threatening, such as serious infections, allergic reactions and fluid retention. It is important to report ALL side effects to your doctor or nurse.
Below are some of the side effects that are associated with Taxotere® chemotherapy treatment. Your experience with side effects will depend on factors like your Taxotere® dose, schedule, and your body's response to the treatment.
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Drop in Number of White and Red Blood Cells
Taxotere® chemotherapy treatment may cause a temporary drop in the number of white blood cells. White blood cells help protect your body from infection, so if your white blood cell count is low, you may be at a higher risk of getting an infection. Your doctor will routinely check your blood count and tell you if it is too low.
It is important to look for signs of infection because infections can be dangerous. Fever often is one of the most common and earliest signs of infection. Your doctor will recommend that you take your temperature frequently, especially during the days after Taxotere® treatments, to check for fever. If you have a fever, tell your doctor or nurse immediately.
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Allergic Reactions to Chemotherapy Treatment
Some people may experience allergic reactions during Taxotere® chemotherapy treatment. If you feel a warm sensation, tightness in your chest, or itching during or shortly after your treatment, tell your doctor or nurse immediately. Allergic reactions can be dangerous.
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Fluid Retention
Fluid retention means your body is holding extra water. If this fluid retention is in the chest or around the heart, it can be life threatening. If you notice swelling in the feet and legs or slight weight gain, these may be the first warning signs of fluid retention.
Fluid retention usually does not start immediately. If it occurs, it may start around your fifth treatment. Generally fluid retention will go away within weeks or months after your treatments are completed.
Your doctor will prescribe a medication called dexamethasone to help protect you from significant fluid retention. It is important that you take this medication as prescribed. If you do not take it as prescribed, it is important to tell your doctor or nurse before receiving your next Taxotere® treatment.
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Diarrhea
Diarrhea has been associated with Taxotere® use and can be severe in some people. Severe inflammation of the intestines also may occur.
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Nausea/Vomiting
Many people may experience nausea and/or vomiting.
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Chemotherapy Hair Loss
Most people taking Taxotere® chemotherapy experience hair loss (including head, underarm, pubic, eyebrow and eyelash hair). Hair loss may begin after the first few Taxotere® chemotherapy treatments. The extent and location of the hair loss varies from person to person. Hair generally grows back after all Taxotere® treatments are completed.
Hair loss can be difficult to accept and cause feelings of anger and depression. This is common. It may help to talk to others who have gone through the same thing. Also, if you choose to wear a head covering, your doctor or nurse can refer you to a store that carries wigs, hairpieces and turbans for people with cancer.
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Chemotherapy Fatigue
Some people receiving Taxotere® feel very tired following their Taxotere® treatments. If you feel tired or weak, allow yourself extra rest before your next treatment. If it is bothersome or lasts for longer than 1 week, inform your doctor or nurse.
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Muscle Pain and Bone Pain
Muscle pain can happen in people receiving Taxotere®, but it rarely is severe. You also may feel joint pain. Tell your doctor or nurse if you experience muscle or joint pain because he or she may have suggestions for ways to make you more comfortable.
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Rash
This chemotherapy side effect is common, but rarely severe in people taking Taxotere®. You may develop a rash that looks like a blotchy, hive-like reaction. This usually occurs on the hands and feet but also may appear on the arms, face or other areas of the body.
Generally a rash will appear between treatments and will go away before your next Taxotere® treatment. Inform your doctor or nurse if you experience a rash because he or she may be able to help you get relief.
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Nail Changes
You may experience color changes to your fingernails or toenails while taking Taxotere®. In rare cases, nails may fall off. If you do experience nail loss, your nails probably will grow back after your Taxotere® treatment ends.
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Eye Changes
You might experience excessive eye tearing while receiving Taxotere®. This tearing may be related to blockage of the tear ducts or conjunctivitis (also known as "pink eye"), which is inflammation of the membrane that covers the white part of the eye and inside of the eyelids.
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Odd Sensations
People receiving Taxotere® may feel numbness, tingling or burning sensations in their hands and feet. Some people also may develop weakness in their hands and feet. Generally these sensations go away within a few weeks or months after your treatments are completed. If you experience any of these sensations, be sure to tell your doctor or nurse.
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Infection
Infection can be a serious condition that can occur in patients receiving Taxotere.
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Mouth and Throat Irritation
Mouth and throat irritation are common adverse reaction that can occur with chemotherapy.
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Infusion Site Reaction
Infusion Site Reactions generally are mild and consist of hyperpigmentation, inflammation, redness or dryness of the skin, phlebitis, extravasation or swelling of the vein.
It is important to tell your doctor or nurse if you experience any of the side effects listed on this page. And be sure to visit our Managing Side Effects page for helpful coping tips.
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