Uses
Cabazitaxel injection is used along with prednisone to treat prostate cancer (cancer of a male reproductive organ) that has already been treated with other medications. Cabazitaxel injection is in a class of medications called microtubule inhibitors. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Side Effects Of Cabazitaxel Injection
Cabazitaxel injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- heartburn
- change in the ability to taste food
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- swelling of the inside of the mouth
- headache
- joint or back pain
- numbness, burning or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
- hair loss
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- constipation
- swelling of the face, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- decreased urination
- blood in the urine
- blood in stool
- changes in stool color
- dry mouth, dark urine, decreased sweating, dry skin, and other signs of dehydration
- irregular heartbeat
- shortness of breath
- pale skin
- tiredness or weakness
- unusual bruising or bleeding
Cabazitaxel injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before receiving cabazitaxel injection:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cabazitaxel injection, any other medications, polysorbate 80, or any of the other ingredients in cabazitaxel injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) such as warfarin (Coumadin); antifungals such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and voriconazole (Vfend); antiplatelet medications; aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); clarithromycin (Biaxin); certain medications for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) such as atazanavir (Reyataz), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), and saquinavir (Invirase); certain medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), and phenobarbital; nefazodone; rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifapentine (Priftin); rifampin (Rimactin, in Rifamate, in Rifater); steroid medication; and telithromycin (Ketek). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with cabazitaxel injection, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease. Your doctor may probably tell you not to receive cabazitaxel injection.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease or anemia (a lower than a normal number of red blood cells).
- you should know that cabazitaxel injection is usually used in men with prostate cancer. If used by pregnant women, cabazitaxel injection can cause harm to the fetus. Women who are or may become pregnant or are breast-feeding should not receive cabazitaxel injection. If you receive cabazitaxel injection while you are pregnant, call your doctor. You should use birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment with cabazitaxel injection.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving cabazitaxel injection.
Dosage Of Cabazitaxel Injection
Cabazitaxel injection comes as a liquid to be given intravenously (into a vein) over 1 hour by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. It is usually given once every 3 weeks.
You will need to take prednisone every day during your treatment with cabazitaxel injection. It is important that you take prednisone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have missed doses or have not taken prednisone as prescribed.
Your doctor may need to stop or delay your treatment or decrease your dose if you experience certain severe side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about cabazitaxel injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
