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Regimen Information
For Taxol, including Side Effects
Taxol
Drugs in this Regimen:
How Taxol chemotherapy is given and possible side effects.
Taxol for the treatment of Breast Cancer
Taxol (paclitaxel) is a drug used in the treatment of breast cancer.
MOST COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF TAXOL
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Neuropathy
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Nausea & Vomiting
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Mouth Sores
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Diarrhea
For more information, see the 'Expert Resources' tab below.
Community Responses
Often, the most helpful information regarding treatment side effects comes not from clinical brochures, but rather from other patients like you. We've collected the most helpful community resources to help you prepare for the side effects and coping tips for your chemotherapy regimen.
What side effects did you experience while on this medication?
The following have been voted the 3 most helpful responses to this question.
The 1st Taxol treatment went well with all the premeds given for prevention of side effects. I did have some chest pain after the Taxol drip begin but was given Ativan and continued on just fine. The day after the 2nd treatment, I begin having trouble with upper and lower GI symptons. There are meds the Dr. prescribes to manage these. My hair had thinned with fallout, so I’ve shaved the rest off. The fatigue, and neuropathy hit the day after the 3rd treatment. I had an allergic reaction breaking out with a burning rash on the 4th day after treatment. Dr. prescribed prednisone and hydroxyzine which is taking care of burning itch and rash. I’ve had some nausea this round. I have definitely been more fatigued this time. Chemo is working! April 1st, I return for the last Taxol treatment. Yay!
On April 15th, I will begin the AC treatments going in once every two weeks for four infusions.
I’m thankful for the H.O.G. staff! They are compassionate and dependable, which brings much comfort through this season of life.
This is my second go-around with Taxol. The first was dose-dense every two weeks for 3 doses following AC. I was supposed to get four, but had chest pain after third, which may have been due to the Nupogen. That was in 2015. MBC to bones in 2018, then to Omentum/mesentery in 2021. Following Ibrance/ Faslodex and Xeloda/ Faslodex, I was switched to Taxol. Lower dose 3 weeks on/ 1 week off. Experienced diarrhea after first doses. Hair loss at day 14. Had an extra week off after first cycle due to both low ANC and low Potassium. Have finished 2 of six cycles. Just started third cycle last week.
I have neuropaty since using Taxol…. I could scream, what did you do for the ache…I have NO idea how long I will be on this chemo.. It’s been 6 mo already….It hits me about 3 days following treatment and I’m usually pretty much down until the day be next reatment.. I am 3 weeks on and 1 week off. as long as my white count is ok…. which often is not by the 3rd week….
The 1st Taxol treatment went well with all the premeds given for prevention of side effects. I did have some chest pain after the Taxol drip begin but was given Ativan and continued on just fine. The day after the 2nd treatment, I begin having trouble with upper and lower GI symptons. There are meds the Dr. prescribes to manage these. My hair had thinned with fallout, so I’ve shaved the rest off. The fatigue, and neuropathy hit the day after the 3rd treatment. I had an allergic reaction breaking out with a burning rash on the 4th day after treatment. Dr. prescribed prednisone and hydroxyzine which is taking care of burning itch and rash. I’ve had some nausea this round. I have definitely been more fatigued this time. Chemo is working! April 1st, I return for the last Taxol treatment. Yay!
On April 15th, I will begin the AC treatments going in once every two weeks for four infusions.
I’m thankful for the H.O.G. staff! They are compassionate and dependable, which brings much comfort through this season of life.
I had stage 4 TNBC, I was told it was genetic however I don’t have anyone on either sides have had TNBC. As I am very small the tumor was on my breast muscle so they did chemo first, to shrink the tumor. The first 4 treatments was the ‘Red Devil’ every other week, then they tried Traxol. After only 3 treatments my Doctor stopped it as it was giving me neuropathy. Had an MRI don last week all that’s left is fluid which I’ll have surgery to remove. They told me it can take a few months for the neuropathy to completely go away. If it stays on for more than a year then it’s permanent. I don’t have any pain with it just numbness, some days better than others. Hope this helps and God bless.
I had stage 4 TNBC, I was told it was genetic however I don’t have anyone on either sides have had TNBC. As I am very small the tumor was on my breast muscle so they did chemo first, to shrink the tumor. The first 4 treatments was the ‘Red Devil’ every other week, then they tried Traxol. After only 3 treatments my Doctor stopped it as it was giving me neuropathy. Had an MRI don last week all that’s left is fluid which I’ll have surgery to remove. They told me it can take a few months for the neuropathy to completely go away. If it stays on for more than a year then it’s permanent. I don’t have any pain with it just numbness, some days better than others. Hope this helps and God bless.
This is my second go-around with Taxol. The first was dose-dense every two weeks for 3 doses following AC. I was supposed to get four, but had chest pain after third, which may have been due to the Nupogen. That was in 2015. MBC to bones in 2018, then to Omentum/mesentery in 2021. Following Ibrance/ Faslodex and Xeloda/ Faslodex, I was switched to Taxol. Lower dose 3 weeks on/ 1 week off. Experienced diarrhea after first doses. Hair loss at day 14. Had an extra week off after first cycle due to both low ANC and low Potassium. Have finished 2 of six cycles. Just started third cycle last week.
This discussion needs your voice!
What were the specific side effects that you experienced while taking this medication? How did you manage them?
What coping tips would you give to new patients on this regimen?
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This discussion needs your voice!
What do you wish you had known before taking this medication? What information would you like to pass on to patients who are beginning this medication?