| Pronunciation: pack lee TAX eL pro teen bound Brand: Abraxane
| What is the most important information I should know about paclitaxel protein-bound? |
| • | Paclitaxel protein-bound should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. |
| • | Serious side effects have been reported with the use of paclitaxel protein-bound including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection); numbness or tingling; irregular heartbeats; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound. |
| What is paclitaxel protein-bound? |
| • | Paclitaxel protein-bound is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Paclitaxel protein-bound interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body. |
| • | Paclitaxel protein-bound is used in the treatment breast cancer. |
| • | Paclitaxel protein-bound may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. |
| What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking paclitaxel protein-bound? |  | • | Do not take paclitaxel protein-bound without first talking to your doctor if you have |
| · | poor bone marrow function. |
| • | The use of paclitaxel protein-bound may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above. |
| • | Men should not father a child while receiving treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound. |  | • | Paclitaxel protein-bound is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that paclitaxel protein-bound is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use paclitaxel protein-bound without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound if either you or your partner is of childbearing potential. |  | • | It is not known whether paclitaxel protein-bound passes into breast milk. Do not take paclitaxel protein-bound without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby. |
| How should I use paclitaxel protein-bound? |
| • | Paclitaxel protein-bound should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. |
| • | Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule. |
| • | Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound to monitor progress and side effects. |
| • | Skin accidentally exposed to paclitaxel protein-bound should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water. |
| • | Your healthcare provider will store paclitaxel protein-bound as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing paclitaxel protein-bound at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider. |
| What happens if I miss a dose? |
| • | Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of paclitaxel protein-bound. |
| What happens if I overdose? |  | • | If for any reason an overdose of paclitaxel protein-bound is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately. |
| • | Symptoms of a paclitaxel protein-bound overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe. |
| What should I avoid while using paclitaxel protein-bound? |  | • | Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound. |
| • | Skin accidentally exposed to paclitaxel protein-bound should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water. |
| What are the possible side effects of paclitaxel protein-bound? |
| • | If you experience any of the following serious side effects from paclitaxel protein-bound, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately: |
| · | an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); |
| · | decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection); |
| · | liver damage (abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes); or |
| · | severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; |
| · | numbness or tingling; or |
| • | Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking paclitaxel protein-bound and talk to your doctor if you experience: |
| · | tissue or vein reactions near the site of administration; |
| · | low red blood cell count; |
| · | mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. |
| • | Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound. |
| What other drugs will affect paclitaxel protein-bound? |  | • | Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound. |
| • | Paclitaxel protein-bound can interact with many other medications, including other chemotherapy drugs. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound. |
| Where can I get more information? |
| • | Your healthcare provider may have additional information about paclitaxel protein-bound that you may read. | |