Paclitaxel belongs to a class of medications called mitotic inhibitors. It works by interfering with the cell cycle and prevents cell division. It is used alone or together with other anticancer medications to treat breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Paclitaxel may also be used to treat Kaposi’s sarcoma (a cancer of the lymph and blood vessel linings) in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Paclitaxel is injected into a vein via a drip as directed by your doctor. Before you start using Paclitaxel, you may be given other medicines to prevent or lessen the side effects of Paclitaxel. The dosage of Paclitaxel is calculated by your doctor based on your total body surface area. Your doctor will advise you on the dosage and frequency depending on your condition.
Treatment of breast cancer
Adult
As adjunct to Doxorubicin: 175 mg/m2 via IV infusion over 3 hours once every 3 weeks for 4 courses.
Treatment of metastatic breast cancer
Adult
175 mg/m2 via IV infusion over 3 hours once every 3 weeks.
Treatment of advanced ovarian cancer
Adult
As monotherapy: 175 mg/m2 via IV infusion over 3 hours once every 3 weeks.
As adjunct to Cisplatin: 135 mg/m2 via IV infusion over 24 hours every 3 weeks.
Treatment of non-small cell lung cancer
Adult
As adjunct to Cisplatin: 135 mg/m2 via IV infusion over 24 hours every 3 weeks.
Common dosing schedule:
Your doctor will advise you on the dosing schedule depending on your condition.
Some common medications Paclitaxel may interact with:
Paclitaxel may interact with many other medications. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Paclitaxel is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Paclitaxel in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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