Trade name

Abraxane^®

What Abraxane^® is and what it is used for?

• Abraxane^® is an albumin-bound form of paclitaxel. Albumin is a protein found in the blood. Paclitaxel is a plant alkaloid derived from the bark of the Pacific Yew tree. Paclitaxel inhibits the action of microtubules for cell division, thus stopping cancer cells from separating into two new cells, eventually causing cell death. Abraxane^® can improve the side effects associated with the solvent Cremophor EL used in paclitaxel.
• Abraxane^® is used to treat breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer spreading to other parts of the body. It can be given in combination with other medicines.

How Abraxane^® is given?

• Abraxane^® is given as an infusion into a vein over 30 minutes.

What should I know while receiving Abraxane^®?

• An allergic reaction may happen during or shortly after the infusion, causing fever and chills, breathing difficulties, swelling of throat or face, or hives. Tell your nurse right away if you feel unwell during an infusion.
• Do not use Abraxane^® when you are pregnant. Men and women should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the treatment ends.
• Do not breastfeed and for 2 weeks after treatment ends.
• You will have regular blood tests to check that you have enough blood cells and have sufficient liver functions to receive Abraxane^®. The timing and dosing of your treatment may be changed based on the test results or other side effects.
• You should let your doctor know if you have ever had liver or kidney problems, or had an allergic reaction to paclitaxel before treatment.
• Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.

Common side effects

• Low white blood cell count

You may have a higher risk of getting infections. Try to stay away from crowds and wash hands often. Tell your doctor right away if you have repeated fevers, coughing, stuffy nose, a painful urination or wound that becomes red and swollen.

• Low red blood cell count

You may look pale and get tired more easily. Let your doctor know if you experience any difficulty breathing or dizziness when changing positions.

• Swelling of lower legs or hands

Tell your doctor if your hands, arms, legs, or feet feel puffy or tender. The doctor may give medicines to reduce your symptoms and suggest ways to prevent fluid buildup.

• Hair loss

It may begin 2-3 weeks after your first treatment. Your hair will usually grow back after treatment has finished.

• Nausea or vomiting

Medicines may be given before the treatment to prevent it happening. Eating and drinking often in small amounts may reduce the discomfort.

• Diarrhea

Talk to your doctor and ask for advice. Drinking plenty of water and dietary changes can improve diarrhea.

• Weakness and fatigue

Try to pace yourself and rest as much as possible. Seek medical advice if fatigue does not go away when you rest and sleep.

• Muscle pain

Talk to the doctor if the pain is bothering you, they can give you medicine to help ease pain.

• Elevated liver enzymes

This is usually mild and may return to normal after treatment has ended. Seek medical help right away if you have yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark or brown urine, or pain in abdomen, as these can be signs of liver toxicity.

• Numbness in the fingers or toes:

The symptoms normally get better slowly once the treatment is over. Protect areas where sensation is decreased and let your doctor know any unusual feeling you have.

Less common side effects

• Low platelet count

You may have a higher risk of bleeding. Let your doctor know if you find red or purple dots on the skin, bleeding from the nose or gums, or any bruising or bleeding that you cannot explain.

• Swelling of lower legs or hands

Tell your doctor if your hands, arms, legs, or feet feel puffy or tender. The doctor may give medicines to reduce your symptoms and suggest ways to prevent fluid buildup.

• Skin rash

A rash can be itchy, red, or painful. Tell your doctor about any skin changes that you have, they can give you medicines and advices that help you feel better.

• Cough or trouble breathing

Tell your doctor if you develop difficulty breathing with wheezing and coughing or there is any existing breathing problems get worse.

More Information

• There are many drugs may affect how Abraxane^® works. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day can help make your recovery a smoother process.
• Alcohol and cigarettes may interfere with certain medicines or worsen side effects from chemotherapy treatment. It is wise to avoid alcohol and cigarettes during cancer treatment. If you have any problem about drinking alcohol and smoking, you should check with your doctor.
• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking beverages containing grapefruit. This is because grapefruits can affect how Abraxane^® works and can worsen the side effects.