Disclaimer: This information is intended to help you understand your treatment. Always discuss your health and treatment plan with your doctor or nurse, who can answer your specific questions.
At a Glance: Quick Facts about Nab-Paclitaxel
- Generic Name: nab-paclitaxel (nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel)
- Brand Name(s): The original formulation of nab-paclitaxel is Abraxane®. Nab-paclitaxel is available as a biosimilar. You can ask your healthcare provider for more information.
- Type of Drug: Taxane Chemotherapy
- How It’s Given: As an infusion into a vein (intravenous or IV).
- Common Cancers Treated: Most commonly used for metastatic breast cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Can be used instead of paclitaxel in patients who have a reaction to paclitaxel infusion.
About Nab-Paclitaxel
- What It Is and What It’s Used For: Nab-paclitaxel is a specialised form of the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel. The term “nab” stands for “nanoparticle albumin-bound,” which means the paclitaxel drug is attached to tiny particles of a human protein called albumin. This advanced formulation allows the drug to be delivered to cancer cells more effectively and is used to treat several types of advanced or metastatic cancers.
- How It Works: Like standard paclitaxel, nab-paclitaxel works by disrupting the internal “skeleton” (microtubules) of cancer cells. It makes this skeleton too rigid, which stops the cells from being able to divide and grow, ultimately causing them to die. The albumin protein helps transport the paclitaxel through the bloodstream and may help it enter the cancer cells more easily.
How You Will Receive This Drug
- Your Dosing Schedule: Nab-paclitaxel is typically given in cycles, often once every 1, 2, or 3 weeks. The specific schedule and the number of cycles you receive will be determined by your doctor based on your type of cancer and your overall treatment plan.
- How It’s Given: You will receive nab-paclitaxel at a hospital or chemotherapy clinic. A nurse will give it to you as an infusion into a vein (IV). A key difference from standard paclitaxel is that the infusion is much shorter, usually lasting only about 30 minutes.
- Important Instructions: Premedication is Usually Not Needed Another major difference from standard paclitaxel is that nab-paclitaxel does not contain the same solvents that cause allergic reactions. Therefore, you will likely not need to take premedication (like steroids or antihistamines) before your infusion. This makes the treatment process more convenient for many patients. However, if you have had a reaction in the past, your doctor may still decide to give you some medication beforehand.
Possible Side Effects
This drug can cause many of the same side effects as standard paclitaxel, though the frequency can differ. Your healthcare team will monitor you closely.
- Most Common Side Effects:
- Nerve Pain (Peripheral Neuropathy): This is a very common side effect. You may experience numbness, tingling, burning, or a “pins and needles” feeling in your hands and feet. It is crucial to tell your doctor about this as soon as it starts, as they may need to adjust your dose.
- Hair Loss (Alopecia): Complete hair loss from your scalp and body is very common. This is temporary and your hair will grow back after treatment is finished.
- Low Blood Counts: Nab-paclitaxel significantly suppresses the bone marrow, leading to a low white blood cell count (increasing infection risk), low red blood cell count (causing fatigue), and low platelet count (increasing bleeding risk).
- Fatigue: Feeling very tired and weak is a common experience during treatment.
- Muscle and Joint Pain (Myalgia/Arthralgia): Aching throughout your body is common, often starting a couple of days after treatment.
- Less Common but SERIOUS Side Effects:
- Severe Nerve Damage: If neuropathy is not managed, it can become severe and interfere with daily activities like walking or buttoning clothes.
- Severe Low Blood Counts: A very low white blood cell count can lead to life-threatening infections.
- Lung Problems: In rare cases, it can cause inflammation of the lungs (pneumonitis).
- When to Contact Your Doctor Immediately: Call your doctor or go to an emergency room right away if you experience any of the following:
- Signs of Infection: Fever over 38°C (100.4°F), chills, sore throat, or a new cough.
- Worsening Nerve Pain: If numbness or tingling becomes painful, makes it hard to perform simple tasks, or causes you to feel unsteady on your feet.
- Signs of Serious Bleeding: Unusual bleeding that won’t stop, significant bruising, or black, tarry stools.
- Severe Shortness of Breath or chest pain.
Important Information to Discuss with Your Doctor
- Before You Start Treatment: It is crucial that you tell your doctor your full medical history. Be sure to mention if you:
- Have ever had an allergic reaction to paclitaxel or any other medication.
- Have any pre-existing nerve problems (neuropathy).
- Have any heart conditions.
- Have liver problems.
- Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- Pregnancy and Contraception: This drug can cause serious harm to an unborn baby.
- Women: You must not become pregnant during this treatment. You must use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after your final dose.
- Men: You must not father a child during this treatment. You must use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after your final dose.
- Drug and Food Interactions: Tell your doctor and pharmacist about everything you take, including all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Practical Tips While Taking Nab-Paclitaxel
- What to Do If You Miss a Dose: If you miss your scheduled appointment for an infusion, call your doctor’s office as soon as possible to reschedule.
- Storage: This medication is prepared and handled by your healthcare team at the hospital or clinic.
- Follow-Up and Monitoring: You will have regular appointments and frequent blood tests to check your blood counts. Your doctor will carefully ask about and assess any symptoms of nerve pain at each visit.
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. It helps you to be an active partner in your care.
- What is the main goal of this treatment for my cancer?
- How is this drug different from standard paclitaxel?
- What specific signs of nerve damage should I report immediately?
- What can I do to manage the muscle and joint pain if it occurs?
- What is the number to call if I have a problem at night or on the weekend?
- What is the plan if my nerve pain becomes severe?