What is this medication for?
Docetaxel belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medications known as antineoplastics, and specifically to the group of antineoplastics known as taxanes. Docetaxel kills cancer cells by interfering with the genetic material (DNA), which is necessary for their growth and reproduction. Docetaxel is used alone or in combination with other antineoplastic medications for the treatment of cancers of the prostate, breast, stomach, head, neck or lung.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Taxotere® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose and dosing schedule of docetaxel varies according to the specific type of cancer being treated, the response to therapy, and the other medications being used. The dose is also based on body size. Docetaxel is usually injected into a vein through a site on the skin that has been prepared for this purpose. It is often scheduled to be given over a one-hour period once every three weeks.
Docetaxel is always given under the supervision of a doctor. Very careful handling of this medication is required. It is always administered in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation.
Before your dose of docetaxel, you will be given some medication to reduce the symptoms of side effects. Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor as suggested below in the section, "What side effects are possible with this medication?"
This medication is stored in the refrigerator, and kept out of the reach of children.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications.
It is important that this medication be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive docetaxel, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Docetaxel should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to docetaxel, to polysorbate 80, or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- has a very low level of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in their blood