Paclitaxel albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation

Why is paclitaxel albumin prescribed?

Breast cancer that has spread to other body areas and has not improved or gotten worse after treatment with other drugs is treated with paclitaxel (with albumin) injection. Non-small cell lung cancer is also treated with paclitaxel (with albumin) injection in conjunction with other chemotherapy drugs (NSCLC). Gemcitabine (Gemzar) and paclitaxel (with albumin) injection are both used to treat pancreatic cancer. The drug paclitaxel belongs to the group of drugs known as antimicrotubule agents. It functions by preventing the development and spread of cancer cells.

How should this medicine be used?

A doctor or nurse will combine paclitaxel (with albumin) injection with liquid and administer it intravenously (into a vein) over the course of 30 minutes. Paclitaxel (with albumin) injection is typically used once every three weeks to treat breast cancer. Paclitaxel (with albumin) injection is typically administered three times over a three-week period to treat non-small cell lung cancer. Usually administered as part of a 4-week cycle, paclitaxel (with albumin) injection is used to treat pancreatic cancer on days 1, 8, and 15. You can keep repeating these cycles for as long as your doctor advises.

Depending on how you respond to the drug and any side effects you have, your doctor may need to stop, modify, or interrupt your therapy. During your treatment, be careful to let your doctor know how you are feeling.

For a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Paclitaxel (with albumin) may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• pain, redness, swelling, or sores in the place where the medication was injected
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• sores in the mouth or throat
• hair loss
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles or lower legs
• blurred vision or vision changes
• decreased urination
• dry mouth
• thirst
• muscle pain or cramps
• joint pain

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

• numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
• sudden onset of dry cough that doesn’t go away
• shortness of breath
• rash
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, lips, tongue, or throat
• pale skin
• excessive tiredness
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• chest pain
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• fainting

Paclitaxel (with albumin) may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

Click here for prescribing information of Abraxane.