Paclitaxel

Generic Name: Paclitaxel

Brand Name: Abraxane

Drug Classification: Anti-neoplastic or cytotoxic

Mode of Action: Increases action of tubulin dimers; stabilizes existing microtubules;

inhibits their disassembly; interferes with late G2 mitotic phase.

Suggested Dose: IV: ADULTS, ELDERLY: 125 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, 15 of each 28-

day cycle. (Administer gemcitabine immediately after Abraxane.)

Indication: - Breast Cancer - Ovarian Cancer

- Kaposi’s Sarcoma - Pancreatic Cancer

- Non-small lung cell cancer - Head & neck cancer

- Peritoneal Cancer - Lung Cancer

Contraindications: - Hypersensitivity - Severe neutropenia

Side Effects: - Diarrhea - Alopecia

- Nausea - Vomiting

- Myalgia - Arthralgia

- Peripheral Neuropathy - Mucositis

- Pain and redness at injection site

Adverse Effects: - Anemia - Leukopenia

- Thrombocytopenia - Severe Hypersensitivity

- Severe Hypotension - Angioedema

 - Neutropenia - Peripheral Neuropathy

- Hepatic Impairment

Drug Interaction: - CYP3A4, CYP2C8 inhibitors may increase concentration/effects.

- Live virus vaccines may potentiate virus replication, increase

vaccine side effects, decrease pt’s antibody response to vaccine.

- LAB VALUES: May elevate serum alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin,

ALT, AST, triglycerides.

Nursing Responsibilities:

1. Check blood counts, particularly neutrophil, platelet count

2. Monitor CBC, vital signs

3. Monitor for hematologic toxicity (fever, sore throat, signs of local infections, unusual

bleeding/ bruising)

4. Avoid IM injections, rectal temperatures, other traumas that may induce bleeding

5. Educate patient that hair loss is reversible but new hair growth may have different

color, texture.

6.Report any signs of bleeding, dyspnea, sore throat

7. Instruct patient not to receive any vaccinations without advice of health care

professional.

References:

o Karch, M. (2015). Lippincott’s Nursing Drug Guide. New York: Wolter’s Kluwer.

o Nursing 2020 Drug Handbook. (2019). Philadelphia: Wolter’s Kluwer Health.

o Skidmore-Roth, L. (2019). Mosby’s 2019 Nursing Drug Reference. St. Louis,

Missouri: Elsevier. A