Taxol (paclitaxel)

This section explains briefly what Taxol is, when it may be prescribed, how it works, what the benefits are and what side effects may occur. We hope it will help you to discuss your treatment plan with your healthcare team. Taxol is the brand name of the drug, which is used throughout this section. Most people know it by this name, although its generic (general) name is paclitaxel. You may find it useful to read this with our section on Chemotherapy.

Page Contents

What is Taxol?
Who might be offered Taxol?
How does Taxol work?
How is it given?
What are the side effects of Taxol?
Further support
Help from Action Breast Cancer

What is Taxol?

Taxol is a chemotherapy drug that belongs to a group of drugs called taxoids or taxanes.
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Who might be offered Taxol?

Taxol is one of the drugs which is sometimes used to treat people with breast cancer.
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How does Taxol work?

When normal cells start dividing structures called microtubules are formed. Once the cells stop dividing these microtubules are broken down or destroyed. However, with cancer cells Taxol stops the microtubules from breaking down. The cancer cells become blocked by microtubules so that they can’t grow and divide, and they eventually die.
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How is it given?

Taxol is given as a drip into a vein in the hand or arm. It is normally given every three weeks over a three-hour period, though it may be given at more frequent intervals. Taxol is sometimes given with other types of chemotherapy and anti-cancer drugs. If Taxol is being administered for advanced breast cancer, your specialist will probably want to assess how well the treatment is working after the first two or three sessions. For more information on secondary breast cancer, call national Cancer’s Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700.
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What are the side effects of Taxol?

Like any drug, Taxol can cause side effects. However, everyone reacts differently to drugs and some people have more side effects than others. The side effects of Taxol can usually be controlled. If you are concerned about any side effects, talk to your chemotherapy nurse or anyone on your treatment team. If you are being given other chemotherapy or anti-cancer drugs with Taxol you may have additional side effects.

Effects on the blood

Taxol can have a temporary effect on bone marrow, which is where blood cells are made. This can result in a low white cell count (increased risk of infection), a low platelet count (risk of bruising or bleeding) and occasionally a low red cell count (anaemia). The blood count will normally fall about seven days after you start your treatment. If it drops below a certain level your next treatment may be delayed until your white cell count is within safe levels. You will have regular blood tests throughout your treatment. For more information see our booklet on Chemotherapy.

Hair loss (alopecia)

Most people will lose all their hair, including eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair, which can be a shock. You may begin to lose your hair about two weeks after the first treatment. Hair loss is usually gradual but it can happen very quickly, sometimes over a couple of days. The hair loss is temporary and your hair will begin to grow back about a month after your treatment has ended. For more information see our Chemotherapy booklet.

Numbness and/or tingling in hands or feet

People receiving Taxol may experience numbness or tingling in their hands and feet. This is due to the effect of Taxol on the nerves and is known as peripheral neuropathy. If you get this you should tell your doctor. In most cases it is mild and goes away soon after treatment stops. If it is severe it may be necessary either to reduce the dose of the drug or to stop it completely. This side effect normally wears off after a few months.

Painful muscles and joints

The muscles or joints may ache or become painful two to three days after you have your treatment. This usually wears off after a few days. You can take painkillers if necessary, but always discuss this first with your breast care nurse or doctor.

Tiredness or fatigue

You may become very tired after your treatment and this feeling can last for about a week. If you feel like this it is important to get plenty of rest.

Nausea

Nausea is a common side effect, although most people will not actually be sick. You may start to feel sick a few hours after your treatment and the feeling may last for several days. Taking antisickness tablets can help the nausea. If nausea persists contact your nurse or doctor.

Diarrhoea

You may have mild diarrhoea but your specialist or GP can prescribe medication to help control it. If diarrhoea persists contact your nurse or doctor.

Allergic reaction

If you have an allergic reaction to Taxol it will probably happen within the first ten minutes of your treatment. Before your treatment starts you will be given a combination of drugs to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. You will be monitored closely during your treatment so that any reaction can be dealt
with immediately. Reactions can vary from mild to severe, although severe
reactions are uncommon. Symptoms include flushing, skin rash, itching, back pain, shortness of breath, faintness, fever or chills. If you have a severe reaction, treatment will be stopped immediately and you may not be given Taxol again.

Changes in heart rate and blood pressure

On rare occasions Taxol can slow the heart rate and lower the blood pressure so you will be carefully monitored for this during your treatment. If it happens it can be treated easily and doesn’t mean you will have to stop your treatment. This is not the same as having an allergic reaction to Taxol (see above).

Sore mouth

You may find that your mouth is sore and small ulcers develop. Your specialist or chemotherapy nurse will advise you on suitable mouthwashes. Use a soft toothbrush for brushing your teeth.

Effects on the liver

Taxol may affect how well your liver works. This is temporary and will return to
normal when the treatment has stopped. You will have regular blood tests to monitor this throughout your treatment.

Pain in the injection site

In a few cases mild pain can occur where the needle has been inserted or anywhere along the vein. If you are in pain tell your chemotherapy nurse
immediately. After a few weeks you may notice tenderness, darkening and hardening a few centimetres above where the needle was inserted. This should
fade in time.
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Further support
If you have any concerns about taking Taxol you can talk to your specialist, chemotherapy nurse or breast care nurse. You may also find it helpful to talk
to someone who has had a similar experience to you. Reach to Recovery is a
programme set up to help and support women who have recently had a breast cancer diagnosis. The programme works on the principle of personal contact between the patient and a Reach to Recovery volunteer – a woman who has had surgery for breast cancer. Carefully selected and fully trained volunteers are available to provide advice and reassurance at a time when a woman is most in need of both.

For more information on individual support or support groups in your area, call the National Cancer Helpline on 1800 200 700.
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ABC would like to thank Breast Cancer Care in the UK for their permission to adapt the text in this factsheet from their series of factsheets.