Abraxane

What is this medication for?

Paclitaxel belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medications known as antineoplastics. Paclitaxel works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body. This medication is used to treat metastatic breast cancer when treatment with other medications have not worked.

This medication is a special form of paclitaxel because it is bound to protein, which affects the way it works in the body. This formulation of paclitaxel should not be substituted for regular paclitaxel.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor.

What form(s) does this medication come in?

Abraxane® is available as:

• suspension (intravenous)
  • 100 mg per vial

How should I use this medication?

The recommended dose and dosing schedule of paclitaxel varies according to the response to treatment, and other medications or treatments being used. The dose given is also based on body size.

Paclitaxel is usually injected intravenously (into a vein) by a qualified health care professional through a specially prepared site on your skin. It is often scheduled to be given in this manner over 30 minutes once every 3 weeks.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. Very careful handling of this medication is required. It is always given under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Paclitaxel should not be used by anyone who:

• is allergic to paclitaxel, albumin, or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• has a very low level of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in their blood