Paclitaxel (Taxol®)
Paclitaxel (pronounced pak-li-tax-el) is a chemotherapy drug that is given as a treatment for some types of cancer. It is commonly known as Taxol. It is most commonly used to treat ovarian, breast and non-small cell lung cancer. This information describes paclitaxel, how it is given and some of its possible side effects. It should ideally be read with our general information about chemotherapy and about your cancer, which give further information and advice.
If you have any further questions you can ask your doctor or nurse at the hospital where you are having your treatment, or speak to one of our cancer support service nurses.
- What Taxol looks like
- How it is given
- Possible side effects
- Less common side effects
- Additional information
What Taxol looks like
Taxol is a colourless fluid.
How it is given
Taxol may be given as a drip (infusion):
- through a fine tube (cannula) inserted into the vein
- through a central line, which is inserted under the skin into a vein near the collarbone, or into a PICC line, which is inserted into a vein in the crook of the arm.
Possible side effects
Each person's reaction to chemotherapy is different. Some people have very few side effects, while others may experience more. The side effects described in this information will not affect everyone who is given Taxol, and may be different if you are having more than one chemotherapy drug.
We have outlined the most common and less common side effects, so that you can be aware of them if they occur. However, we have not included those that are very rare and therefore extremely unlikely to affect you. If you do notice any effects which you think may be due to the drug, but which are not listed in this information, please discuss these with your doctor or chemotherapy nurse.
Lowered resistance to infection Taxol can reduce the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection. This effect can begin seven days after treatment has been given and your resistance to infection usually reaches its lowest point 10–14 days after chemotherapy. Your blood cells will then increase steadily and will usually have returned to normal levels before your next cycle of chemotherapy is due.
Contact your doctor or the hospital straightaway if:
- Your temperature goes above 38ºC (100.5ºF)
- You suddenly feel unwell (even with a normal temperature).
You will have a blood test before having more chemotherapy, to make sure that your cells have recovered. Occasionally it may be necessary to delay your treatment if the number of blood cells (the blood count) is still low.
Bruising or bleeding Taxol can reduce the production of platelets (which help the blood to clot). Let your doctor know if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, blood spots or rashes on the skin, and bleeding gums.
Anaemia (low number of red blood cells) While having treatment with Taxol you may become anaemic. This may make you feel tired and breathless. Let your doctor or nurse know if these are a problem.
Sore mouth and ulcers Your mouth may become sore, or you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help to reduce the risk of this happening. Tell your nurse or doctor if you have any of these problems, as special mouthwashes and medicines to prevent or clear any mouth infection can be prescribed.
Taste changes You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will usually come back after the treatment finishes.
Diarrhoea This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but let your doctor know if it is severe or if it continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you do have diarrhoea.
Tiredness and feeling weak You may feel very tired. It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.
Hair loss This usually starts 2–3 weeks after the first dose of paclitaxel, although it may happen earlier. Hair is usually lost completely but may just thin. You may also have thinning and loss of eyelashes, eyebrows and other body hair. Hair loss is temporary and your hair will regrow once the treatment is finished. To help reduce hair loss, scalp cooling may be suitable for some people.
Aching or pain in joints and muscles This may occur a few days after paclitaxel is given. It does not usually last long and your doctor may prescribe painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs to help.
Skin changes Taxol can cause a rash, which may be itchy. Your doctor can prescribe medicine to help with this.
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet. This is due to the effect of Taxol on nerves and is known as peripheral neuropathy. You may also notice that you have difficulty doing up buttons or similar fiddly tasks. Tell your doctor if you notice any numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. This usually improves slowly a few months after the treatment is finished.
Headaches Some people find that Taxol causes headaches. Let your doctor know if you have headaches while having treatment.
Allergic reaction Signs of an allergic reaction include skin rashes and itching, a high temperature, shivering, redness of the face, a feeling of dizziness, headache, breathlessness, anxiety and a desire to pass urine. You will be monitored for any signs of an allergic reaction during the treatment. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of these signs.
You will be given steroid tablets (usually dexamethasone) to take before the Taxol to reduce the chance of an allergic reaction. If you are given any of these tablets before treatment it is important to take them as directed and to tell your doctor or nurse if you forget.
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting If you do feel sick it may begin soon after the treatment is given and last for a few days. Your doctor can now prescribe very effective anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If the sickness is not controlled or continues, tell your doctor, who can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs that may be more effective.
Less common side effects
Low blood pressure Your blood pressure will be checked regularly during treatment. Let your doctor know if you feel faint or dizzy.
Changes in heart rate Taxol can sometimes cause a temporary slowing of the heart rate known as bradycardia. This usually does not cause any harm.
Your liver may be temporarily affected Taxol may cause changes in the way that your liver works, though your liver will return to normal when the treatment is finished. This is very unlikely to cause you any harm, but your doctor will monitor this carefully. Samples of your blood will be taken from time to time to check your liver is working properly.
Abdominal pain This may start a few days after finishing the chemotherapy and may last for a few days. Your doctor can prescribe regular painkillers if it does happen.
Additional information
While Taxol is being given, it can cause pain at the place where the injection is given, or along the vein. If you feel pain, tell your doctor or nurse. They can slow the drip down to reduce the feeling.
Other medicines Some medicines can be harmful to take when you are having chemotherapy. Let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, including non-prescribed drugs such as complementary therapies and herbal drugs.
Fertility Your ability to become pregnant or father a child may be affected by taking this drug. It is important to discuss fertility with your doctor before starting treatment.
Contraception It is not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while taking paclitaxel, as the developing foetus may be harmed. It is important to use effective contraception while taking this drug, and for at least a few months afterwards. Again, discuss this with your doctor.
