Docetor
Generic Name
Docetaxel 80 mg injection
Manufacturer
Sanofi Aventis (Innovator), various generics manufacturers (e.g., Beacon Pharmaceuticals, Incepta Pharmaceuticals)
Country
France (Innovator), Bangladesh, India (Generics)
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| docetor 80 mg injection | ৳ 13,900.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Docetaxel is an antineoplastic agent (taxoid) used in the treatment of various cancers, including breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, gastric cancer, and head and neck cancer. It works by interfering with microtubule assembly and disassembly, leading to inhibition of cell division.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically 75 mg/m² or 100 mg/m² as a 1-hour intravenous infusion every 3 weeks, depending on the indication and regimen. Lower doses may be used in combination therapies.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustments required solely based on age; consider overall health and comorbidities. Closely monitor.
Renal_impairment
No specific dose adjustment for mild to moderate renal impairment. Data limited for severe impairment; use with caution and monitor closely.
How to Take
Administered as a 1-hour intravenous infusion, usually every 3 weeks. It must be diluted before use and should be administered by a healthcare professional experienced in chemotherapy. Premedication with corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone) is required to reduce the incidence and severity of hypersensitivity reactions and fluid retention.
Mechanism of Action
Docetaxel binds to free tubulin and promotes the assembly of tubulin into stable microtubules while simultaneously inhibiting their disassembly. This leads to the accumulation of nonfunctional microtubule bundles, resulting in mitotic arrest (cells are arrested in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle) and ultimately cell death.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Immediate after infusion initiation, but clinical effects are observed over treatment cycles.
Excretion
Mainly fecal excretion (75% within 7 days, primarily as metabolites), with a small amount excreted renally (6% within 7 days).
Half life
Tri-phasic elimination: alpha-phase (very rapid) 4 minutes, beta-phase (intermediate) 36 minutes, terminal phase 11.1 hours (range 4 to 18 hours).
Absorption
Administered intravenously, so absorption is 100% immediate.
Metabolism
Extensive hepatic metabolism, primarily by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4).
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Severe hypersensitivity to docetaxel or polysorbate 80
- Neutrophil count <1500 cells/mm³
- Severe hepatic impairment
Drug Interactions
CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin)
May decrease docetaxel concentrations, potentially reducing efficacy. Avoid concomitant use.
CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, ritonavir)
May increase docetaxel concentrations, potentially leading to increased toxicity. Avoid concomitant use or adjust docetaxel dose.
Storage
Store vials between 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F). Protect from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include more severe myelosuppression, peripheral neurotoxicity, and mucositis. Management is primarily supportive care, including administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for myelosuppression. There is no known antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category D. Can cause fetal harm. Avoid during pregnancy. Advise sexually active women of childbearing potential to use effective contraception. It is unknown if docetaxel is excreted in human milk; avoid breastfeeding due to potential for serious adverse reactions in the infant.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Severe hypersensitivity to docetaxel or polysorbate 80
- Neutrophil count <1500 cells/mm³
- Severe hepatic impairment
Drug Interactions
CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin)
May decrease docetaxel concentrations, potentially reducing efficacy. Avoid concomitant use.
CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, ritonavir)
May increase docetaxel concentrations, potentially leading to increased toxicity. Avoid concomitant use or adjust docetaxel dose.
Storage
Store vials between 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F). Protect from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include more severe myelosuppression, peripheral neurotoxicity, and mucositis. Management is primarily supportive care, including administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for myelosuppression. There is no known antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category D. Can cause fetal harm. Avoid during pregnancy. Advise sexually active women of childbearing potential to use effective contraception. It is unknown if docetaxel is excreted in human milk; avoid breastfeeding due to potential for serious adverse reactions in the infant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years when stored as recommended. Once reconstituted/diluted, it usually has a shorter shelf life (e.g., 6 hours at room temperature, 24-48 hours refrigerated).
Availability
Hospitals, specialized cancer treatment centers, pharmacies
Approval Status
Approved by major regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, EMA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensively studied in numerous Phase III clinical trials establishing its efficacy in breast, lung, prostate, gastric, and head & neck cancers, often in combination with other agents. Trials continue to explore new indications and regimens.
Lab Monitoring
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential before each dose and periodically during treatment
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase) before each dose
- Renal function tests (creatinine, BUN) periodically
Doctor Notes
- Premedicate with dexamethasone starting 1 day prior to docetaxel infusion to reduce hypersensitivity and fluid retention.
- Monitor CBC and LFTs prior to each cycle. Dose adjustments or delays may be necessary based on hematologic toxicity and liver function.
- Close monitoring for hypersensitivity reactions during and after infusion is crucial.
- Educate patients on signs of infection and neuropathy.
Patient Guidelines
- Report any signs of infection (fever, chills) immediately.
- Report swelling, rash, or breathing difficulties.
- Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent mucositis.
- Avoid activities requiring mental alertness if experiencing fatigue or dizziness.
Missed Dose Advice
As this medication is administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting, missed doses are unlikely. If a scheduled appointment is missed, contact your doctor or clinic immediately to reschedule.
Driving Precautions
Docetaxel can cause fatigue, dizziness, and visual disturbances. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience these side effects.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
- Get adequate rest.
- Avoid alcohol as it may worsen liver toxicity.
- Practice good hand hygiene to reduce infection risk.
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