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 Docetaxel
- Generic Name: Docetaxel
- Brand Name(s): The original formulation of docetaxel is Taxotere®. Docetaxel is available as a generic. 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: Breast, prostate, non-small cell lung cancer, stomach, gastro-oesophageal, head & neck cancers and sarcoma.
About Docetaxel
- What It Is and What It’s Used For: Docetaxel belongs to a class of drugs known as taxanes. It is used to treat many different types of tumours including (but not limited to) Breast, prostate, non-small cell lung cancer, stomach, gastro-oesophageal, head & neck cancers and sarcoma.
- How It Works: Docetaxel works by disrupting the internal “skeleton” (microtubules) that cells need to divide and function properly. By making this internal structure too rigid, docetaxel essentially freezes the cell’s processes, preventing it from being able to divide into new cells. This blockage ultimately leads to the death of the cancer cell.
How You Will Receive This Drug
- Your Dosing Schedule: Docetaxel is most commonly given as a one-hour infusion once every three weeks. However, your specific schedule may vary depending on your cancer type and treatment plan. Your doctor will determine the appropriate number of cycles for your condition.
- How It’s Given: You will receive docetaxel at a hospital or chemotherapy clinic. A nurse will administer the medication as an infusion into a vein (IV).
- Important Instructions: Steroid Premedication Docetaxel can cause allergic reactions and a significant side effect called fluid retention. To help prevent these issues, you will be prescribed a steroid medication (like dexamethasone). It is extremely important that you take these steroid pills exactly as prescribed. A typical schedule is to start taking the pills the day before your infusion and continue for a total of three days. Following the steroid schedule is vital for your safety and to manage side effects.
Possible Side Effects
This drug can cause a range of side effects. Your healthcare team will monitor you closely. It’s very important to report any new or worsening symptoms to them.
- Most Common Side Effects:
- Low Blood Counts: This is a very common and serious side effect. Docetaxel suppresses the bone marrow, leading to a low white blood cell count (neutropenia), which increases your risk of serious infection. It also lowers red blood cells (causing fatigue) and platelets (increasing bleeding risk). Your blood counts typically reach their lowest point about a week after treatment.
- Fluid Retention (Edema): You may notice swelling in your ankles, feet, legs, and sometimes hands or face. This can also cause weight gain. The steroid premedication is designed to reduce this, and it’s important to monitor your weight and report any sudden swelling to your doctor.
- Hair Loss (Alopecia): Complete hair loss from your scalp and body is very common. This is temporary, and hair will grow back after treatment ends.
- Fatigue: Feeling very tired and weak is common.
- Nerve Pain (Peripheral Neuropathy): You may experience numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” feeling in your hands and feet. Let your doctor know if this occurs.
- Nail Changes: Your fingernails and toenails may become discoloured, brittle, or develop lines. In some cases, a nail may lift off the nail bed.
- Skin Reactions: A rash, redness, or peeling on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet can occur.
- Less Common but SERIOUS Side Effects:
- Severe Allergic Reaction: Although premedication helps, a serious reaction can still happen, usually during the infusion. Your nursing team will monitor you closely.
- Severe Fluid Retention: If not managed, fluid can build up around the lungs or heart, causing shortness of breath or other complications.
- Watery Eyes (Epiphora): The drug can cause tear ducts to become blocked, leading to excessively watery eyes.
- 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.
- Signs of an Allergic Reaction (after leaving the clinic): A severe skin rash with hives, swelling of your face or throat, or severe difficulty breathing.
- Significant Swelling: Sudden weight gain or noticeable, worsening swelling in your feet, ankles, or abdomen.
- Severe Shortness of Breath or chest pain.
- Worsening nerve pain that interferes with daily activities.
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 docetaxel, paclitaxel, or any other medication.
- Have liver problems, as your dose may need to be adjusted.
- Have any pre-existing nerve problems or heart conditions.
- Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- Pregnancy and Contraception: This drug can cause serious harm to a developing fetus. In case you are planning, you should discuss how long you should avoid starting a family with your doctors. Generally speaking:
- 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 3 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 Docetaxel
- 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. If you forget to take your oral steroid premedication, call your clinic immediately for instructions before leaving home.
- 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 also monitor you for signs of fluid retention and ask about any symptoms of neuropathy.
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?
- What is the exact schedule for my steroid premedication?
- What signs of fluid retention should I look for and report?
- What can be done to manage nail changes or watery eyes if they occur?
- What is the number to call if I have a problem at night or on the weekend?
- How will we know if the treatment is working?