What is Paclitaxel used for?

Breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, Kaposi's sarcoma (a type of skin cancer often linked to HIV/AIDS)

What are the side effects of Paclitaxel?

Hair loss (very common — hair usually grows back after treatment ends), nausea and vomiting, body weakness and tiredness, joint and muscle pain, numbness or tingling in hands and feet

Who should not take Paclitaxel?

People who are allergic to paclitaxel or any of its ingredients (including castor oil in the formulation), people with very low white blood cell counts (your doctor will check with a blood test), pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with severe liver problems.

Paclitaxel — Dosage, Uses & Brands (Paclitaxel 100 mg/16.7 mL Concentrate For Solution For Infusion, Paclitaxel 300 mg/50 mL Concentrate For Solution For Infusion, Paclitaxel Sandoz 6 mg/mL Concentrate for Solution for Infusion)

How to take this drug

This drug is NOT something you take at home by yourself. It is given as a slow drip (intravenous infusion) into your vein at a hospital or cancer treatment centre by a trained nurse or doctor. Your dose depends on your body size and the type of cancer being treated. Treatment is usually given once every 1 to 3 weeks.

What if I Miss a Dose?

Since this drug is given by medical professionals at a hospital on a set schedule, if you miss an appointment, contact your cancer doctor immediately to reschedule. Do not try to make up for a missed session on your own.

What to watch out for

This is a hospital-only medicine — never buy it from roadside sellers, open markets, or unregistered pharmacies. Always get your treatment at a certified cancer treatment centre with trained oncology staff. Report any fever, unusual bleeding, or signs of infection to your doctor immediately, as your immune system will be weaker during treatment.

Common Side Effects

Hair loss (very common — hair usually grows back after treatment ends)
nausea and vomiting
body weakness and tiredness
joint and muscle pain
numbness or tingling in hands and feet

Serious Side Effects

Severe infection signs like high fever
chills
or sore throat (this drug lowers your body's ability to fight infections)
serious allergic reaction during infusion such as difficulty breathing
swelling
or rash
unusual bleeding or bruising that does not stop easily.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor about ALL medicines you are taking. Ketoconazole and other antifungal drugs can increase paclitaxel levels in your body and worsen side effects. Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) used for HIV may interact with paclitaxel — your doctor needs to know if you are on HIV treatment. Avoid alcohol as it can worsen nausea and put extra stress on your liver.

Check your specific combination

Is it safe to take Paclitaxel with your other drugs?

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Paclitaxel is NOT safe during pregnancy — it can cause serious harm to an unborn baby — and should not be used while breastfeeding; talk to your doctor about contraception before starting treatment.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who are allergic to paclitaxel or any of its ingredients (including castor oil in the formulation)
people with very low white blood cell counts (your doctor will check with a blood test)
pregnant or breastfeeding women
and people with severe liver problems.

How to Store

This medicine is stored and handled by hospital pharmacies. It should be kept at room temperature (below 25°C), away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not freeze. Keep away from children at all times.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.

Brand Names

Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies

Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check

Counterfeit Drug Warning

Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.

Paclitaxel

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