Docetor
Generic Name
Docetaxel
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| docetor 20 mg injection | ৳ 4,000.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Docetor (Docetaxel) is an anti-cancer medication belonging to the taxane class. It is used to treat various types of cancer, including breast, non-small cell lung, prostate, gastric, and head and neck cancers. It works by interfering with cell division.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Dosage varies by indication, typically 75 mg/m² or 100 mg/m² as a 1-hour IV infusion every 3 weeks. Premedication with oral corticosteroids is required.
Elderly
No general dose adjustment is required, but increased caution is advised due to potential for increased toxicities and comorbidities.
Renal_impairment
No specific dose adjustment for mild-to-moderate impairment; caution is advised, and close monitoring for toxicity is recommended for severe impairment.
How to Take
Administer as a 1-hour intravenous infusion. It must be diluted with an appropriate diluent (e.g., 5% Dextrose Injection, USP or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP) before administration. Do not administer by bolus injection.
Mechanism of Action
Docetaxel binds to free tubulin and promotes the assembly of microtubules into stable bundles while inhibiting their depolymerization. This leads to the disruption of the mitotic spindle apparatus, arresting cell division at the G2/M phase, and ultimately inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Rapid distribution into peripheral compartments. Pharmacodynamic effects are observed over treatment cycles.
Excretion
Primarily excreted in feces (approximately 75%) and to a lesser extent in urine (approximately 6%), mainly as metabolites.
Half life
Triphasic elimination with a terminal half-life of 11.1 hours.
Absorption
Administered intravenously, hence 100% bioavailability.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) isoenzyme.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to docetaxel or to polysorbate 80 (a component of the formulation).
- Neutrophil count < 1,500 cells/mm³ prior to treatment.
- Severe liver impairment.
Drug Interactions
Live Vaccines
Avoid concomitant administration due to risk of severe, potentially fatal infections in immunosuppressed patients.
CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin)
Concomitant use may decrease docetaxel plasma concentrations, potentially reducing efficacy.
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, ritonavir)
Concomitant use may significantly increase docetaxel plasma concentrations, leading to increased toxicity. Avoid concomitant use.
Storage
Store intact vials at 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Diluted solutions are stable for a specific period (e.g., 6 hours) at room temperature.
Overdose
There is no known antidote for docetaxel overdose. Management involves supportive care for expected toxicities such as bone marrow suppression, peripheral neurotoxicity, and mucositis.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category D: Docetaxel can cause fetal harm. Effective contraception is required during treatment and for a period after. Lactation: It is unknown whether docetaxel is excreted in human milk, but due to potential serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to docetaxel or to polysorbate 80 (a component of the formulation).
- Neutrophil count < 1,500 cells/mm³ prior to treatment.
- Severe liver impairment.
Drug Interactions
Live Vaccines
Avoid concomitant administration due to risk of severe, potentially fatal infections in immunosuppressed patients.
CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin)
Concomitant use may decrease docetaxel plasma concentrations, potentially reducing efficacy.
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, ritonavir)
Concomitant use may significantly increase docetaxel plasma concentrations, leading to increased toxicity. Avoid concomitant use.
Storage
Store intact vials at 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Diluted solutions are stable for a specific period (e.g., 6 hours) at room temperature.
Overdose
There is no known antidote for docetaxel overdose. Management involves supportive care for expected toxicities such as bone marrow suppression, peripheral neurotoxicity, and mucositis.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category D: Docetaxel can cause fetal harm. Effective contraception is required during treatment and for a period after. Lactation: It is unknown whether docetaxel is excreted in human milk, but due to potential serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years, refer to the manufacturer's specific packaging for exact expiry date.
Availability
Hospitals, Specialized Oncology Clinics
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Docetaxel has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials for its efficacy and safety in various cancer types. Ongoing research explores its use in new indications and combination regimens.
Lab Monitoring
- Complete blood count (CBC) with differential before each cycle of therapy and weekly during therapy, if appropriate.
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin) before each cycle.
- Renal function tests (serum creatinine, BUN) periodically.
Doctor Notes
- Mandatory premedication with oral corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone) is essential to reduce the incidence and severity of hypersensitivity reactions and fluid retention.
- Close monitoring of complete blood count (CBC) is crucial due to the risk of severe neutropenia.
- Assess liver function before each cycle as impaired hepatic function can increase docetaxel toxicity.
- Patients should be advised about potential peripheral neuropathy and monitored for its development.
Patient Guidelines
- Report any signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat) immediately.
- Monitor for swelling in extremities, face, or difficulty breathing due to fluid retention.
- Stay well-hydrated throughout treatment.
- Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Missed Dose Advice
Contact your treating physician immediately if a dose is missed. Do not attempt to administer a double dose.
Driving Precautions
Docetaxel may cause fatigue, dizziness, or vision disturbances. Patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery if they experience these side effects.
Lifestyle Advice
- Practice good hygiene to minimize infection risk.
- Avoid raw or undercooked foods.
- Limit exposure to crowds and sick individuals, especially during periods of low blood cell counts.
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