- Neutropenia (<2,000 neutrophils/mm3) occurs in virtually all patients
given 60-100 mg/m2 of Taxotere® and grade 4 neutropenia (<500
cells/mm3) occurs in 85% of patients given 100 mg/m2 and 75%
of patients given
60 mg/m2
- Patients should be premedicated with oral corticosteroids prior to each Taxotere®
administration to reduce the incidence and severity of fluid retention. Patients
with pre-existing effusions should be closely monitored from the first dose for
possible exacerbation of the effusions
- Treatment-related acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplasia has occurred in
patients given anthracyclines and/or cyclophosphamide, including use with Taxotere®
in adjuvant therapy of breast cancer
- Localized erythema of the extremities with edema followed by desquamation has been
observed
- In case of severe skin toxicity, an adjustment in dosage is recommended
- Severe neurosensory symptoms (paresthesia, dysesthesia, pain) were observed in 5.5%
(53/965) of metastatic breast cancer patients, and resulted in
treatment discontinuation in 6.1%
- When these symptoms occur, dosage must be adjusted; if symptoms persist, treatment
should be discontinued
- Severe asthenia was reported in 14.9% (144/965) of metastatic breast cancer
patients, but led to treatment discontinuation in only 1.8%
- Symptoms of fatigue and weakness may last a few days up to several weeks and may
be associated with deterioration of performance status in patients with progressive
disease
- Taxotere® can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Women of
childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant during therapy
with Taxotere®
- The most common adverse reactions across all Taxotere® indications are infections,
neutropenia, anemia, febrile neutropenia, hypersensitivity, thrombocytopenia, neuropathy,
dysgeusia, dyspnea, constipation, anorexia, nail disorders, fluid retention, asthenia,
pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, mucositis, alopecia, skin reactions and myalgia
- In patients treated with TCF for gastric cancer, the incidence of serious adverse
events was higher in patients ≥65 years than in younger patients. Adverse events
(all grades) occurring at rates ≥10% higher in elderly patients included lethargy,
stomatitis, diarrhea, dizziness, edema, and febrile neutropenia/neutropenic infection.
- Taxotere® should be administered in a facility equipped to manage possible complications
(e.g. anaphylaxis)
Please
click here for Taxotere full prescribing information, including boxed WARNING.
Taxotere® (docetaxel) Injection Concentrate Indications
Breast Cancer
TAXOTERE® is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or
metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior chemotherapy
TAXOTERE® in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide is indicated
for the adjuvant treatment of patients with operable node-positive breast cancer
Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
TAXOTERE®, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with
locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after failure
of prior platinum-based chemotherapy
TAXOTERE® in combination with cisplatin is indicated for the treatment of patients
with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have not previously
received chemotherapy for this condition.
Metastatic Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer
TAXOTERE® in combination with prednisone is indicated for the treatment of patients
with androgen-independent (hormone-refractory) metastatic prostate cancer.
Advanced Gastric/GE Junction Cancer
TAXOTERE® in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil is indicated for the
treatment of patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, including adenocarcinoma
of the gastroesophageal junction, who have not received prior chemotherapy for advanced
disease.
Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
TAXOTERE® in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil is indicated for the
induction treatment of patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of
the head and neck (SCCHN).