Possible Side
effects:
- Hematopoetic:
Decrease in white cells (neutropenia),
which maybe treated with Neupogen, a drug
which stimulates the growth of white
blood cells; a decrease in red cells
(anemia) and/ or platelets
(thrombocytopenia) may take place as well
- Gastrointestinal:
mouth sores; nausea and vomiting occur
rarely (may be decreased or prevented
with medications); diarrhea;
constipation; decreased appetite; taste
changes; abnormalities in liver function
tests
- Integmentary:
hair loss (usually complete); rash; red
discoloration of the skin (erythema)
followed by peeling (desquamation), most
common on the soles of the feet and palms
of the hands; changes in nail color or
texture, sometimes resulting in nail pain
or loss.
- Fertility:
effect on fertility is unknown; this drug
should not be taken by women who are
pregnant or breast feeding
- Cardiovascular:
edema (swelling or fluid retention) in
the feet and ankles or elsewhere,
including the areas surrounding the lungs
(pleural effusion), heart (pericardial
effusion) and abdomen; irregular heart
beat; irritation to the vein where the
drug is given (phlebitis);
- Respiratory:
shortness of breath; cough
- Neurological:
tingling and/or burning sensations in
hands and/or feet (peripheral
neuropathy); generalized weakness;
headache; confusion; drowsiness
- Allergic
(hypersensitivity reactions):
which may cause: flushing, rash, chest
pain or heaviness, back pain, shortness
of breath, wheezing, fever, shaking,
chills, low blood pressure (these
symptoms can usually be prevented by
medications which are taken prior to the
docetaxel)
- Other:
fatigue; muscle aches (myalgia); eye
inflammation (conjunctivitis); hearing
abnormalities
SPECIAL
NOTE- If docetaxel is given to patients with
abnormal liver function it is much more likely to
cause severe and life threatening side effects.
|
