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Paclitaxel Injection (pak'' li tax' el)
Other names: Abraxane, Taxol
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Paclitaxel injection must be given in a hospital or medical facility under the supervision of a ... Full Alert
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Why is this medication prescribed?

Paclitaxel manufactured with human albumin is used to treat breast cancer that has not improved or that has come back after treatment with other medications. Paclitaxel manufactured with Cremophor EL is used to treat ovarian cancer (cancer that begins in the female reproductive organs where eggs are formed), breast cancer, and lung cancer. Paclitaxel with Cremophor EL is also used to treat Kaposi's sarcoma (a type of cancer that causes patches of abnormal tissue to grow under the skin) in people who have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Paclitaxel is in a class of medications called antimicrotubule agents. It works by stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells.

How should this medication be used?

Paclitaxel 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 once every 3 weeks. When paclitaxel manufactured with Cremophor EL is used to treat Kaposi's sarcoma, it may be given once every 2 or 3 weeks.

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

Are there other uses for this medicine?

Paclitaxel is also sometimes used to treat cancer of the head and neck, esophagus (tube that connects the mouth and stomach), bladder, endometrium (lining of the uterus), and cervix (opening of the uterus). Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.

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

  • Abraxane®
  • Taxol®
Last Revised January 08, 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.