Abraxane
(ABI-007)

• Given intravenously over 30 minutes. Color is milky white.
• Can be given in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.
• Some of the more common side effects include:
  1. Nausea/Vomiting
     • Usually mild.
     • May start soon after administration and last several hours to several days.
     • You will be given anti-nausea medications prior to treatment, and you will receive prescriptions for home.
  2. Myelosuppression/Bone Marrow Suppression
     • Your red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and platelet counts will all drop, which makes you more prone to anemia, infection, and bleeding.
     • All counts will recover by themselves. No specific diet or activity will hasten this.
     • Blood counts will be checked frequently.
  3. Hair loss
     • Hair loss is temporary and may be partial or complete. It will grow back after chemotherapy is completed.
     • Hair loss will start 2-3 weeks after treatment begins.
  4. Decreased fertility
     • May cause absence of periods, decreased sperm count, or permanent sterility.
     • Continue to use contraception!
  5. Fatigue
     • You could have a certain amount of fatigue throughout the entire treatment period.
     • Moderate exercise, good nutrition, and rest can help remedy fatigue.
  6. Neurotoxicity (nerve damage)
     • Numbness and tingling may occur in your hands and feet.
     • May get worse with additional treatments.
     • Usually improves slowly after Abraxane is discontinued.
  7. Muscle and joint Pain
     • Can start 1-2 days after Abraxane infusion and last 4-5 days.
     • Usually well controlled with over-the–counter pain meds like ibuprofen or Tylenol.
     • Prescription medication may be given if pain persists.
  8. Hypersensitivity reaction (very rare)
     • Can include flushing, blood pressure changes, nausea, or difficulty breathing.
     • Usually occurs within the first 5-15 minutes of infusion, if at all.

Front Range Cancer Specialists
"Fighting Cancer with Knowledge and Compassion"

Our Chemotherapy Clinic is located:
2315 East Harmony Road
Suite 110
Fort Collins, CO 80528

Phone 970 212 7600