What is Abraxane?
Abraxane is an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug and is used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer. It is also used to treat breast cancer and pancreas cancer. Paclitaxel works to destroy cancer cells by preventing the normal breakdown of microtubules. It belongs to the class of chemotherapy drugs called plant alkaloids. As these plant alkaloids are cell-cycle specific, they attack cancer cells during various phases. In the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, it is a prescribed medicine and is used in combination with carboplatin when people cannot be treated with surgery or radiation.
What is the dosage of drug?
The recommended dose of Abraxane is 125 mg/m2 administrated as an intravenous infusion over 30-40 minutes. The dosage depends on the patient’s condition, the severity of cancer, your general health problems, your height and weight and other factors. If you are pregnant or becoming pregnant Abraxane can harm your baby. Talk to your doctor about avoiding pregnancy when you are receiving this drug.
What are the Side Effects?
Abraxane may result in serious side effects such as:
- Decreased blood counts.
- Weakness in hands or feet, pain, numbness
- Allergic reactions
- Infections
- Joint and muscle pain
- Diarrhea
- Loss of body fluid
The less common side effects for patients include:
- Vomiting
- Eye problems
- Swelling of feet
- Mouth sores
What are the precautions to be taken?
- Before you start taking Albumin-based Paciltaxel, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking.
- Do not take any kind of vaccination without approval from your doctor.
- Do not breast feed when taking this drug.
- Do not indulge in sports or activities that could cause injury.
- Avoid sun exposure
All the information provided in this post is for educational and informational purposes only. We strongly recommend talking to your doctor for medications and/or other suggestions.