Skip Navigation
  • You are viewing a Navigating Care library resource.
  • Go to Library
Mortar_and_pestel

Regimen Information

For Taxol + Herceptin, including Side Effects

Taxol + Herceptin

Drugs in this Regimen:

For the treatment of Breast Cancer

How Taxol + Herceptin chemotherapy is given and possible side effects.

Taxol + Herceptin for the treatment of Breast Cancer

Taxol + Herceptin is a chemotherapy & biologic regimen used in the treatment of breast cancer. This treatment involves two drugs: Taxol (paclitaxel) and Herceptin (trastuzumab)

MOST COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF TAXOL + HERCEPTIN

  • Nausea & Vomiting

  • Risk of Infection

  • Neuropathy

  • Hair Loss

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.

Tina
Tina
Hi, I'm Tina
Tina

This week will be round 5….and not too many side effects. Well, except my hair started shedding this week. But I feel fine, they are right about exercise making you feel better. Eating healthy helps the waste line too. Consuming water is a big helper…and try to keep your mind busy not dwelling about all the icky stuff this includes. My port can be a bit bothersome….haven’t felt like I have real good range of motion yet. Will be 12 weeks total of herceptin and taxol then 9 more months of herceptin. Then 10 years of tamoxifen or something like that…ugh hope that goes well.

  • Mon Dec 23, 2013
Alita M G.
Alita M G.
Hi, I'm Alita M G.
Alita M G.

About 5 days after my first round of Taxol + Herceptin is when my side effects kicked in – body aches, nausea, vomiting, chills, weakness. Felt like I had the flu. Nurse explained the delay in side effects was probably due to the steriod wearing off. Lesson learned, start the anti-nausea medicine 24 to 48 hours after treatment and continue to avoid nausea & vomiting.
About 3 days after my second treatment the side effects kicked in but, this time I took my anti-nausea medicine like suggested. Although I still feel nauseous, I can handle it with lifesavers or peppermint hard candy. Still had the body aches, chills and weakness for about 24 hours. Drink a lot of water and rest. Don’t push yourself.

  • Tue Dec 11, 2018
Connie J S.
Connie J S.
Hi, I'm Connie J S.
Connie J S.

I had a metallic taste & ulcers but Magic Duke mouthwash controls that.
The chemo drugs aggregated my GERD & heartburn but my gastrointestinal dr added Carafate which helps tremendously. Small meals help avoid painful stomach issues. I am at week 5 of 12 weeks.

  • Sat May 30, 2015
View 3 remaining responses
JustLynn
JustLynn
Hi, I'm JustLynn
JustLynn

I just finished Round 1 of 12. I was very nervous about how this would impact me both physically and emotionally. Overall, I feel pretty good! However, my mouth feels dry even though I drink a lot of water throughout the day. I just to pray that the Lord will continue to be with me along this journey!

  • Wed Aug 2, 2017
Alita M G.
Alita M G.
Hi, I'm Alita M G.
Alita M G.

About 5 days after my first round of Taxol + Herceptin is when my side effects kicked in – body aches, nausea, vomiting, chills, weakness. Felt like I had the flu. Nurse explained the delay in side effects was probably due to the steriod wearing off. Lesson learned, start the anti-nausea medicine 24 to 48 hours after treatment and continue to avoid nausea & vomiting.
About 3 days after my second treatment the side effects kicked in but, this time I took my anti-nausea medicine like suggested. Although I still feel nauseous, I can handle it with lifesavers or peppermint hard candy. Still had the body aches, chills and weakness for about 24 hours. Drink a lot of water and rest. Don’t push yourself.

  • Tue Dec 11, 2018
Alita M G.
Alita M G.
Hi, I'm Alita M G.
Alita M G.

About 5 days after my first round of Taxol + Herceptin is when my side effects kicked in – body aches, nausea, vomiting, chills, weakness. Felt like I had the flu. Nurse explained the delay in side effects was probably due to the steriod wearing off. Lesson learned, start the anti-nausea medicine 24 to 48 hours after treatment and continue to avoid nausea & vomiting.
About 3 days after my second treatment the side effects kicked in but, this time I took my anti-nausea medicine like suggested. Although I still feel nauseous, I can handle it with lifesavers or peppermint hard candy. Still had the body aches, chills and weakness for about 24 hours. Drink a lot of water and rest. Don’t push yourself.

  • Tue Dec 11, 2018

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?

There are currently no answers to this question. Be the first to answer!

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?

Treatment Overview

This chemotherapy regimen is commonly used to treat:

Nc_library_logo

See Expert Resources

The Navigating Care Library includes articles about cancer, chemotherapy regimens and drugs from the the National Cancer Institute and other experts.
More resources

© 2023 Navigating Care, Inc. Patient Engagement Portal v.6.0 | (800) 925-4456 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Certification
This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.