Docexan
Generic Name
Docexan-20-mg-injection
Manufacturer
Hypothetical Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| docexan 20 mg injection | ৳ 3,200.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Docexan 20 mg Injection contains Docetaxel, a chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer, including breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, gastric adenocarcinoma, and head and neck cancer. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Dosage is highly individualized based on cancer type, patient's body surface area (BSA), and liver function. Typical monotherapy doses range from 60-100 mg/m² administered as a 1-hour intravenous infusion every 3 weeks. Specific dosing regimens exist for combination therapies.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is generally required for elderly patients, but monitoring for toxicity should be more rigorous due to potential age-related decline in organ function.
Renal_impairment
No specific dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, but caution is advised. Data for severe renal impairment is limited.
How to Take
Docexan 20 mg Injection is administered as a 1-hour intravenous infusion every three weeks. Premedication with an oral corticosteroid (e.g., dexamethasone) is essential for 3 days starting 1 day prior to docetaxel administration to reduce the incidence and severity of fluid retention and hypersensitivity reactions.
Mechanism of Action
Docetaxel promotes the assembly of microtubules from tubulin dimers and inhibits their depolymerization, leading to the stabilization of microtubules. This interferes with the normal mitotic spindle function necessary for cell division, causing mitotic arrest and subsequent apoptosis of cancer cells.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Rapid distribution, effects are seen over several hours/days depending on the cell cycle of cancer cells.
Excretion
Mainly excreted in feces (approximately 75%) after extensive hepatic metabolism, with a small amount excreted in urine (approximately 6%).
Half life
Triphasic elimination with an initial rapid phase, an intermediate phase, and a terminal half-life of 11 to 18 hours.
Absorption
Administered intravenously, resulting in 100% bioavailability. Peak plasma concentrations are achieved shortly after infusion.
Metabolism
Primarily hepatic metabolism by the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) isoenzyme.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known severe hypersensitivity to docetaxel or to any of the excipients (e.g., polysorbate 80)
- Neutrophil count < 1500 cells/mm³ prior to treatment
- Severe hepatic impairment
Drug Interactions
CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Rifampicin)
May decrease docetaxel plasma concentrations, potentially reducing efficacy. Use with caution.
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Erythromycin, Ritonavir)
Concomitant use can significantly increase docetaxel plasma concentrations, leading to increased toxicity. Avoid co-administration or reduce docetaxel dose with close monitoring.
Storage
Store unopened vials at 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F). Protect from light. Do not freeze. Diluted solutions should be used within a specified timeframe (e.g., 6 hours) at room temperature or 48 hours under refrigeration.
Overdose
The symptoms of overdose include bone marrow suppression, peripheral neurotoxicity, and mucositis. Management of overdose is primarily supportive, including appropriate medical interventions to manage symptoms and close monitoring of hematological parameters.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category D. Docetaxel can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Avoid use during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 2 months after the last dose. It is not known whether docetaxel is excreted in human milk, but due to potential serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, breastfeeding should be discontinued during therapy.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known severe hypersensitivity to docetaxel or to any of the excipients (e.g., polysorbate 80)
- Neutrophil count < 1500 cells/mm³ prior to treatment
- Severe hepatic impairment
Drug Interactions
CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Rifampicin)
May decrease docetaxel plasma concentrations, potentially reducing efficacy. Use with caution.
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Erythromycin, Ritonavir)
Concomitant use can significantly increase docetaxel plasma concentrations, leading to increased toxicity. Avoid co-administration or reduce docetaxel dose with close monitoring.
Storage
Store unopened vials at 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F). Protect from light. Do not freeze. Diluted solutions should be used within a specified timeframe (e.g., 6 hours) at room temperature or 48 hours under refrigeration.
Overdose
The symptoms of overdose include bone marrow suppression, peripheral neurotoxicity, and mucositis. Management of overdose is primarily supportive, including appropriate medical interventions to manage symptoms and close monitoring of hematological parameters.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category D. Docetaxel can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Avoid use during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 2 months after the last dose. It is not known whether docetaxel is excreted in human milk, but due to potential serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, breastfeeding should be discontinued during therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date when stored unopened. Refer to product specific labeling for exact shelf life and in-use stability.
Availability
Hospitals, specialized oncology clinics
Approval Status
Approved (for various cancer treatments)
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Docetaxel has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety across various indications, often leading to improved survival rates and disease control in cancer patients. Key studies have evaluated its use in monotherapy and combination regimens.
Lab Monitoring
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential before each cycle and periodically during treatment (especially neutrophil count)
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs) including AST, ALT, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase before each cycle
- Renal Function Tests (RFTs) including serum creatinine
Doctor Notes
- Ensure appropriate premedication is administered to mitigate hypersensitivity and fluid retention.
- Monitor Complete Blood Count (CBC) before each cycle, especially neutrophil count, to adjust dose or delay treatment if necessary.
- Assess liver function regularly, as hepatic impairment can significantly increase docetaxel toxicity.
- Educate patients on potential side effects, particularly myelosuppression and peripheral neuropathy, and when to seek immediate medical attention.
Patient Guidelines
- Report any signs of infection (fever, chills), unusual bleeding or bruising, severe allergic reactions, or persistent numbness/tingling.
- Stay well-hydrated and maintain good oral hygiene to minimize stomatitis.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, as your immune system may be weakened.
- Use effective contraception during treatment and for a period after.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, contact your oncology team immediately. Do not attempt to self-administer or adjust the schedule without consulting a healthcare professional.
Driving Precautions
Docexan 20 mg Injection may cause fatigue, dizziness, or visual disturbances. Patients should exercise caution when driving or operating machinery and avoid such activities if they experience these side effects.
Lifestyle Advice
- Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
- Practice good hand hygiene to prevent infections.
- Manage fatigue by balancing rest and light activity.
- Discuss any changes in diet or supplements with your healthcare provider.
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