Prescription Drugs
 contains or is another name for this drug.
print Print
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Docetaxel Injection (doe se tax' el)
Other names: Taxotere
Warning Important Warning
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease or have ever been treated with cisplatin ... Full Alert
Text Label
Text minus
Text plus

Why is this medication prescribed?

Docetaxel injection is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat certain types of breast, lung, prostate, stomach, and head and neck cancers. Docetaxel injection is in a class of medications called taxanes. It works by stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells.

How should this medication be used?

Docetaxel injection comes as a liquid to be given intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic. It is usually given over 1 hour once every 3 weeks.

Your doctor will probably prescribe a steroid medication such as dexamethasone for you to take during each dosing cycle to help prevent certain side effects. Be sure to follow the directions carefully and take this medication exactly as prescribed. If you forget to take your medication or do not take it on schedule, be sure to tell your doctor before receiving your docetaxel injection.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Are there other uses for this medicine?

Docetaxel injection is also sometimes used to treat ovarian cancer (cancer that begins in the female reproductive organs where eggs are formed). Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this drug for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

  • Taxotere®
Last Revised January 06, 2008
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
This information being provided is copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., ASHP, Bethesda, Maryland.
©2009. All Rights Reserved.
News and Hot Topics
Order Your Prescription