Paclitaxel is a remedy for fighting cancer. Produced by semi-synthetic method based on yew berry. Refers to a group of taxanes.
Composition, form and storage conditions
Paclitaxel is available as a concentrate for the preparation of infusions of 6 mg / ml. The volume of the bottle can be 5 or 16.7 g ml. Supplied in a cardboard box.
The preparation belongs to the list B. It should be stored at a temperature of no higher than 25 degrees. The place is selected so that there is no direct contact with the sun's rays. It is dispensed from pharmacies solely on prescription. Shelf life is two years.
Manufacturers
Antitumour agent is manufactured by:
- Ukraine Biolek company,
- Czech Republic Pliva company,
- Austria - EBEWE PHARMA Ges.m.b. H.Nfg. KG.
- Hungary - Teva Privet Co.,
- Netherlands - Farmakhemi BV
Indications for use
Actual use of the drug in ovarian cancer. Then Paclitaxel is included in first-line therapy. In combination with other drugs can be used after laparotomy.
Helps funds for oncology of the breast. In practice, it is used when the lesion has already affected the lymphatic system or when the disease recurs. Can be appointed when other methods of exposure have not proven effective.
Indications for admission is and lung cancer in non-small cell form. Then treatment is supplemented by other medicines.
Treatment with paclitaxel is topical if it is not expected to perform X-ray therapy or surgical treatment. It is possible to use the drug in other cancers.
Contraindications
The main contraindications are:
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug,
- pregnancy and lactation,
- the neutrophil count is less than 1500 / μL in subjects with solid tumors.
The amount of neutrophils registered in the treatment process is less than 1000 / μl in patients with AIDS, Kaposi's sarcoma.
Pharmacological action of
The mechanism of work is associated with suppression of bone hemopoiesis, the level of which depends on the dosage. Has a mutagenic and embryotoxic effect.
The use of Paclitaxel leads to suppression of the normal reorganization of the network formed by microtubules. This is important for the phase of the interphase. When cells become unable to perform their functions during metastasis.
Instructions for Use Paclitaxel: dosage
The drug is intended for intravenous use for 3 or 24 hours. The interval between the courses is 21 days.
Despite the fact that the drug can be used for monotherapy, the greatest success will be achieved with a joint admission with Cisplatinum in ovarian and lung cancer or with doxorubicin in breast cancer.
Before the procedure, it is possible to administer Dexamethasone. This helps reduce the risk of allergies.
With Kaposi's sarcoma, the drug is administered every 2 weeks for three hours. When calculating the dose, 100 mg / sq.m.
General course of treatment is carried out until the level of neutrophils and platelets does not reach normal values. If a marked neutropenia is detected, the dose of the subsequent infusion is reduced by 20%.
Side effect of
Changes are noted in the hematopoietic system. These include neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia.
Suppression of bone marrow functions is a major toxic effect that limits dosage. Neutropenia depends not on the amount of administration, but on the duration of treatment. Against the background of these side effects, body temperature can be increased and infectious complications may appear.
Fatal outcome was recorded in 1% of cases in people with sepsis, pneumonia and peritonitis.
Some patients experience a hypersensitivity reaction. It does not depend on the amount of the drug administered or on the duration of treatment.
Among the main side effects of Paclitaxel:
- Tides of blood to the face.
- Rash.
- Shortness of breath.
- Tachycardia.
- Arterial hypotension.
The incidence and severity of neurological side effects is dose dependent. Often observed peripheral neuropathy, convulsive seizures, encephalopathy.
Reactions may appear at the injection site. There is a local edema, pain, the development of erythema. Usually the latter appear after a 24-hour infusion.
Overdose
As symptoms:
- oppression of bone marrow function,
- peripheral neurotoxicity,
- mucositis.
However, treatment can only be symptomatic, since the antidote is not yet known.
Special instructions
Introduction Paclitaxel should be administered only by medical personnel who have acquired the skills to work with chemotherapeutic drugs.
To avoid adverse reactions, a preparatory therapy consisting of antihistamines and hormones is prescribed.
With the development of severe reactions, the infusion procedure immediately stops and symptomatic treatment begins.
Repeated administration of the drug is not permitted. The components included in the composition may cause the extraction of DEGP from the containers.
The leaching level is directly related to the solution concentration and time. Therefore, it is important in the process of not using medical supplies and equipment from PVC, especially with direct contact with the medicine.
After treatment for three months, contraception should be used. In the period of treatment it is forbidden to work where there is a need for increased concentration of attention or rapid psychomotor functions.
Interaction of
The combined use of paclitaxel and cisplatin leads to a greater inhibition of bone marrow function. But this manifests itself only if the described drug is administered second.
Ketoconazole leads to inhibition of the metabolism of the drug. If Paclitaxel is first introduced, and then Doxorubicin, then the concentration of the latter in the blood can be significantly increased.
Reviews
Paclitaxel often leads to hair loss. Along with this, patients with oncological diseases note that Paclitaxel helps to slow down the development of the tumor, when the effect of other medications becomes less pronounced.
Price in Moscow
In the capital, the price of Paklitaxel concentrate in the 300 mg / 50 ml vial is about 6,000 rubles. Vials of smaller volume( 5 ml) starts from 650 rubles. A bottle of 16.7 ml of Israel will cost at least 1500 rubles.
Analogues of Paclitaxel
These include:
- Abixal,
- Docet,
- Docetax,
- Intaksel,
- Kanataxen,
- Mitotax,
- Neotaxel,
- Paxen.
Synonyms for the preparation
- Paclitaxel-linens,
- Paclitaxel-ebeve,
- Paclitaxel-teva,
- Patalek,
- Paliter,
- Synaxel.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- How is Paclitaxel Carried?
Weekly doses of 60-80 mg / sq. M.are well tolerated and do not need to be subject to documentation. Patients note that even with large injections, the onset of side effects is rare in comparison with other chemotherapy methods. Many people after the infusion can perform labor duties.
- Docetaxel or Paclitaxel: Which is better?
Both drugs belong to the same group. The first medicine is easier to find in pharmacies, but the second in some situations is the only possible solution. The chemotherapist decides which remedy is right for you. Taxolater or Paclitaxel: what is better?
Despite the same action, the first indicated drug is transferred milder. Taxotere is most effective in the treatment of metastases. Studies have shown that in this case the toxicity is reduced by subjecting steroids.