Details

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Docetaxel 20mg, 80mg, 120mg Injection is an anti cancer drug, which acts directly on the cancer cells.

It is further subgrouped as taxanes under cell cycle specific anticancer drugs.

It is derived from the European yew tree semi synthetically.

Mechanism of action: it acts by enhancing the polymerisation of tubulin, which inhibits the normal reorganisation of microtubular structure of the virus infected cell. This structure is required for interphase of the viral cell cycle and mitotic functions during M phase.inhibition of the tubular structure leads to the death of the cell.

It is available as Taxotere, both in the Indian and International market.

Uses

• Docetaxel 20mg, 80mg, 120mg Injection is prescribed in metastatic ovarian and breast cancer, where the first line of treatment is not responsive or after relapse as approved second line treatment.
• It is efficient against advanced head and neck cancer.
• It is used in small cell lung cancer.
• It is also used in esophageal adenocarcinoma.
• Docetaxel 20mg, 80mg, 120mg Injection is prescribed in pancreatic, gastric carcinomas, bladder cancer and prostate cancer.

 

Dosage

• Taxotere is an anti cancer drug, it’s dosage is only determined by the doctor.
• Its doses are calculated on the basis of stage of the cancer, spreading rate of cancer, Weight, pre existing medical condition, ongoing medicines and any allergy.
• It comes as anhydrous powder concentrate for solution, in 20mg, 80mg, 120mg vials which is directly used for the infusion and stored at 2^o  to 25⁰
• It is given intravenously over one hour by healthcare professionals.

 

Side effects

• Hypersensitivity
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Neurotoxicity
• Fluid retention
• Eye infections
• Myelosuppression mainly neutropenia

 

Precautions

• Before starting Taxotere, premedication with dexamethasone, diphenhydramine, and an H2 blocker is recommended to avoid hypersensitivity reactions.
• It should not be used in abnormal liver function.
• It should not be used in pregnancy as it causes damage to the foetus, always tell the doctor about pregnancy or future plan of pregnancy.
• Taxotere is contraindicated in case of Hypersensitivity to docetaxel or history of hypersensitivity and severe neutropenia (Neutrophil counts of <1500 cells/mm3 ).
• Regular liver function tests must be done.
• Alcohol content used during the infusion can affect the ability of driving or use of machines.

Review

Docetaxel 20mg, 80mg, 120mg Injection, being a taxane, is one of the most active classes of anticancer drugs and when combined with other anti cancer drugs efficacy of chemotherapy is highly increased with higher rates of remission.