Cancer Breast Cancer Treatment Important Facts About Taxol This chemo drug has several uses, including the treatment of breast cancer By Mary Nolan-Pleckham, RN Mary Nolan-Pleckham, RN LinkedIn Mary is a freelance nurse writer specializing in making healthcare and medical content accessible for people at all levels of health literacy. Her MSN in nursing education prepared her to deliver accurate and trustworthy medical information that educates and empowers the public. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 12, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Doru Paul, MD Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD Doru Paul, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents When Taxol Is Used How Taxol Works Preparation and Dosing Side Effects Risks and Contraindications Frequently Asked Questions Taxol (paclitaxel) is a commonly used chemotherapy drug used to treat cancer. It is part of a medication class called taxanes. Taxol is one of the most effective and commonly used drugs for breast cancer treatment and it can be used in all stages of the disease. Sometimes it can be used to treat other types of cancer, like ovarian cancer. If you or someone you know has been prescribed this drug (or Onxal, another brand name for paclitaxel), there are some essential things to know about it. This article explains how Taxol works, along with the dosage, side effects, and risks. Echo / Getty Images When Taxol Is Used The chemotherapy class of taxanes include the drugs Taxotere (docetaxel) and paclitaxel. Taxol is a versatile drug used to treat breast cancer. It can be used in both early-stage breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread to other organs). Typically, oncologists prescribe it as part of combination treatment that includes other chemotherapy drugs such as: Adriamycin (doxorubicin) Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) 5-FU (5-fluorouracil) Xeloda (capecitabine) Paraplatin (carboplatin) While there are standard chemotherapy combinations, your healthcare team will customize your treatment plan for you depending on the characteristics of your cancer and your overall health. Doctors also use Taxol as part of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. What Is Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Neoadjuvant chemotherapy involves treatment with chemotherapy to shrink a tumor before surgical removal. Besides breast cancer and ovarian cancer, Taxol can be used to treat several other types of cancer, including lung cancer and Kaposi's sarcoma, a rare type of skin cancer that disproportionately affects people with HIV and AIDS. This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. See Photo Kaposi sarcoma on the foot. DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND How Taxol Works All cells, including tumor cells, multiply by a process called mitosis, the scientific name for cell division. Taxol works as a mitotic inhibitor, targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells to prevent the tumor from growing. It does so by getting inside the cells and attaching to scaffold-like structures called microtubules, interfering with their function. Taxol can affect any of the rapidly dividing cells of your body; this is what causes many of the side effects of chemotherapy treatments. Your oncologist will monitor you regularly while you're taking Taxol to assess your response to therapy. You should expect intermittent tests to check on the tumor size and location. Typically, you will have routine blood work including a complete blood count (CBC) and a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) to monitor your kidney and liver function. Chemotherapy for Cancer Treatment Preparation and Dosing Taxol is a clear, colorless fluid that is mixed with Cremophor EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil) and given by intravenous (in a vein) infusion. You will typically receive your infusion at a hospital or clinic. Doctors can prescribe Taxol in several ways, including: Once every two or three weeksOnce a weekSlowly over 24 hours Your Taxol dose depends on many factors, including: Your heightYour weightYour general healthThe type of cancer you have A healthcare provider must administer Taxol; if not administered properly, it can cause tissue damage, typically at the IV site. You may be given medications like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) before your infusion to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. Side Effects Most people tolerate Taxol well, especially in low doses. However, it does have side effects, including: Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) Anemia (low red blood cells) Neutropenia (low white blood cells) Bone and muscle aches Hair loss Fatigue Nausea Vomiting Mild diarrhea Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) Preventing Side Effects There are ways to minimize and prevent some of the side effects. Chemotherapy reduces the effectiveness of the bone marrow in producing new white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. A low white blood cell count makes your immune system less effective and puts you at a higher risk for infections. Neupogen (filgrastim) and Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) are two injectable medications given to boost white blood cell production and to help prevent infections. Neupogen is given daily until the white blood cell counts improve. Neulasta is only given once and continues to stimulate the bone marrow from a single dose. The choice between Neupogen and Neulasta can depend on factors such as your health and your insurance coverage. The timing of these immune-stimulating medications is important because ideally, they should start making white blood cells before they hit their lowest point (called the nadir). The first dose is usually given at least 24 hours after your chemotherapy infusion is complete. Most side effects of chemotherapy resolve rapidly after treatment concludes, although some long-term side effects of chemotherapy may persist. In particular, peripheral neuropathy may sometimes be permanent, and fatigue may sometimes take years to improve fully. Recap Taxol has common side effects, including nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, nerve damage, and low blood and platelet counts. Sometimes these side effects can be prevented or lessened with supplements and medications that work to build up blood cells, prevent infection, and reduce the risk of nerve damage. Neulasta vs. Neupogen During Chemotherapy Risks and Contraindications To avoid risky interactions, your medical team may advise you not to drink alcohol. You may also receive recommendations to avoid certain medications if you take any medications that could interact with Taxol. Taxol comes with some risks and is not recommended for everyone. Pregnancy and Lactation If taken during pregnancy, Taxol can potentially harm a developing fetus. Therefore, you should not receive Taxol while pregnant. Due to Taxol's risk during pregnancy, your provider will likely recommend birth control while you are taking Taxol if you are a sexually active female of child-bearing age. In addition, Taxol can pass through to breast milk. It is generally recommended that you avoid breastfeeding while receiving Taxol and for several weeks after you complete your treatment. Taxol is associated with future infertility. Talk to your healthcare provider before beginning therapy if you plan to become pregnant. Breast Cancer Treatment During Pregnancy Vaccines Vaccines may not be as effective when you are receiving chemotherapy. Due to your weakened immune system, your body may not produce enough of an immune response to get the benefit from the vaccine. Most of the time, vaccines are delayed and given after cancer treatment is complete. Since chemotherapy drugs compromise the immune system, live vaccines are generally not recommended while undergoing Taxol treatment. A weakened immune system during treatment may make you more susceptible to getting an infection from the vaccine. What Are Live Vaccines? Live vaccines contain a weakened form of the virus or bacteria. These vaccines introduce a small amount of the pathogen to prompt your body to make antibodies that would protect you from infection when you are exposed to the illness in the future. The flu vaccine FluMist is a nasal spray with a weakened form of the influenza virus. This is one of the live vaccines that should be avoided in people with compromised immune systems—including those receiving Taxol. However, most vaccines (such as flu shots or COVID vaccines) are safe during chemotherapy. Inactivated vaccines use pre-killed pathogens (germs), and many vaccines use virus-like substances to stimulate the immune system. Infections You will be susceptible to infections while taking Taxol, which can often become very serious and even life-threatening. Chemotherapy reduces the production of white blood cells called neutrophils and leaves your immune system in a weakened state. A low neutrophil count is called neutropenia. A risk of infection may be present even if you receive Neulasta or Neupogen. Due to this increased risk, call your healthcare provider immediately if you develop a fever, chills, pain, or notice redness or swelling at the infusion site. Neutropenic fevers are considered a medical emergency. Common Infections in Cancer Patients Allergic Reaction Some people may have an allergic reaction to Taxol or Cremophor EL, and therefore should avoid this drug. Your healthcare team will monitor you closely while you receive Taxol and may give treatment if you develop a reaction. Summary Taxol is a chemotherapy medication that treats breast cancer, ovarian cancer, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, sarcomas and other malignancies. It is common to experience side effects like vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and nerve damage while taking Taxol. Some of these side effects can be prevented or lessened through supplements and medications. Chemotherapy drugs are powerful, so your provider will discuss the risks and benefits with you prior to giving you the drug. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or allergic to Taxol should not take this drug. In addition, while undergoing treatment, you are more susceptible to serious infections. A Word From Verywell As with any form of chemotherapy, Taxol can take a toll on your energy. Try to eat healthily, exercise when possible, and get adequate rest during treatment. In addition, learn to ask for and accept help. Finally, keep in mind that one of the most common complaints from people who have a loved one coping with cancer is a sense of helplessness. Therefore, allowing your loved one to lend a hand may help both of you. Frequently Asked Questions How can I deal with taxol side effects? Chemotherapy targets cells that grow and divide quickly. Many side effects of medications like Taxol are due to damage to healthy cells that also grow and divide quickly, like hair follicles and cells lining the digestive tract. Some people experience more side effects than others. Talk with your healthcare team about what to expect with your treatment plan and how to cope with the side effects you experience. Why does taxol cause bone pain? Taxol is associated with an achy pain that can often feel like bone or muscle pain. Generally, the pain starts one to two days after receiving chemotherapy and is gone within a week. The exact way the medication causes pain is not fully understood, but researchers continue to work to learn more. There is currently no standard treatment, but providers are studying many pain management strategies. Originally written by Pam Stephan Pam Stephan Pam Stephan is a breast cancer survivor. Learn about our editorial process Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get honest information, the latest research, and support for you or a loved one with breast cancer right to your inbox. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 9 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 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