Paclitaxel
Generic Name
Paclitaxel 6 mg Injection
Manufacturer
Generic manufacturers worldwide (e.g., Beximco, Beacon, Pfizer)
Country
Global (multiple countries)
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| paclitaxel 6 mg injection | ৳ 2,100.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Paclitaxel is an antineoplastic agent belonging to the taxane family. It is used to treat various types of cancer, including ovarian, breast, lung, and Kaposi's sarcoma. It works by interfering with cell division.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically 135-175 mg/m² intravenously over 3 or 24 hours, administered every 3 weeks, or weekly regimens at lower doses. Exact dose depends on indication and patient factors.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment recommended, but cautious use due to potential decreased organ function.
Renal_impairment
No specific dose adjustment recommended for mild-to-moderate renal impairment. Use with caution in severe renal impairment.
How to Take
Administered intravenously as a diluted solution (e.g., in 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% dextrose) via an in-line filter over 3 to 24 hours. Premedication with corticosteroids, antihistamines, and H2 antagonists is required to prevent hypersensitivity reactions.
Mechanism of Action
Paclitaxel promotes the assembly of microtubules from tubulin dimers and stabilizes them, preventing depolymerization. This inhibits the normal dynamic reorganization of the microtubule network essential for vital interphase and mitotic cellular functions, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Not applicable for long-term chemotherapy; effects are cumulative.
Excretion
Mainly via bile and feces (approximately 70%), with a small amount excreted renally.
Half life
Terminal half-life is typically 3 to 27 hours, depending on dose and infusion duration.
Absorption
Administered intravenously, hence 100% bioavailability.
Metabolism
Primarily hepatic, via CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 enzymes.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Severe hypersensitivity to paclitaxel or other components, including Cremophor EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil)
- Baseline neutrophil counts < 1.5 x 10⁹/L (or < 1.0 x 10⁹/L for Kaposi's sarcoma patients)
- Severe hepatic impairment for some regimens
Drug Interactions
Cisplatin
Increased myelosuppression and neuropathy when paclitaxel is given after cisplatin.
Doxorubicin
Increased cardiac toxicity when given immediately after paclitaxel.
CYP2C8/CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin)
May decrease paclitaxel exposure, potentially reducing efficacy.
CYP2C8/CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, fluoxetine)
May increase paclitaxel exposure, potentially increasing toxicity.
Storage
Store unopened vials at 20-25°C (68-77°F), excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F). Protect from light. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
Overdose
Overdose results in exacerbated myelosuppression, peripheral neurotoxicity, and mucositis. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category D (causes fetal harm). Avoid use during pregnancy. Advise sexually active women of childbearing potential to use effective contraception. It is not known whether paclitaxel is excreted in human milk; due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, breastfeeding is contraindicated.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Severe hypersensitivity to paclitaxel or other components, including Cremophor EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil)
- Baseline neutrophil counts < 1.5 x 10⁹/L (or < 1.0 x 10⁹/L for Kaposi's sarcoma patients)
- Severe hepatic impairment for some regimens
Drug Interactions
Cisplatin
Increased myelosuppression and neuropathy when paclitaxel is given after cisplatin.
Doxorubicin
Increased cardiac toxicity when given immediately after paclitaxel.
CYP2C8/CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin)
May decrease paclitaxel exposure, potentially reducing efficacy.
CYP2C8/CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, fluoxetine)
May increase paclitaxel exposure, potentially increasing toxicity.
Storage
Store unopened vials at 20-25°C (68-77°F), excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F). Protect from light. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
Overdose
Overdose results in exacerbated myelosuppression, peripheral neurotoxicity, and mucositis. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category D (causes fetal harm). Avoid use during pregnancy. Advise sexually active women of childbearing potential to use effective contraception. It is not known whether paclitaxel is excreted in human milk; due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, breastfeeding is contraindicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 24-36 months when stored unopened. Once diluted, stability varies (e.g., 24 hours at room temperature).
Availability
Hospitals, specialized pharmacies
Approval Status
Approved by major regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, EMA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Generic available (original patent expired)
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Paclitaxel has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials across various cancer types, demonstrating efficacy in combination with other agents or as monotherapy. Ongoing research explores new indications, formulations, and resistance mechanisms.
Lab Monitoring
- Complete blood count (CBC) with differential before each cycle and periodically thereafter
- Liver function tests (LFTs)
- Renal function tests
- Neurological assessment
Doctor Notes
- Premedicate adequately to mitigate hypersensitivity reactions.
- Monitor CBC closely, especially neutrophil counts, before each dose.
- Assess for signs of neuropathy regularly.
- Adjust dosage in patients with significant hepatic dysfunction.
Patient Guidelines
- Report any signs of infection (fever, chills) immediately.
- Report any numbness, tingling, or pain in hands or feet.
- Stay hydrated and maintain good oral hygiene.
- Avoid contact with people who have infections.
Missed Dose Advice
Contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately if a dose is missed. Do not double the next dose. The treatment schedule may need to be adjusted.
Driving Precautions
Paclitaxel may cause dizziness, fatigue, or visual disturbances. Patients should be advised to avoid driving or operating machinery if they experience these symptoms.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet.
- Engage in light physical activity as tolerated.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Protect skin from sun exposure.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.