Chemotherapy Education

axotere
(Docetaxel)

• Given intravenously
• Some of the side effects may include:

1. Bone Marrow Suppression (Myelosuppression)
   • Your red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and platelet counts will all drop after Taxotere, reaching their lowest point (nadir) at 1-2 weeks.
   • This makes you more prone to anemia, infection, and bleeding.
   • All counts will recover by themselves. No specific diet or activity will hasten this.
2. Hair Loss (alopecia)
   • Hair loss is temporary. It will grow back after chemotherapy is completed.
   • Hair loss will start 2-3 weeks after Taxotere is given.
3. Decreased Fertility
   • May cause absence of periods, decreased sperm count, or permanent sterility.
   • Continue to use contraception!
4. Fatigue
   • You could have a certain amount of fatigue throughout the entire treatment period.
   • Moderate exercise, good nutrition, and rest can help remedy fatigue.
5. Fluid Retention
   • Swelling (usually to the feet or legs) may occur and generally resolves after treatments are completed.
   • To help avoid this problem, you will be given decadron prior to each treatment.
6. Rash
   • You may develop a rash that looks like a blotchy, hive-like reaction, which usually occurs in the hands and feet.
   • Generally appears between treatments and will go away before the next treatment.
7. Neurotoxicity (Nerve damage)
   • Numbness and tingling may occur in your hands and feet.
   • May get worse with additional Taxotere treatments.
   • Usually improves slowly after Taxotere is stopped.
8. Muscle and Joint Pain
   • Can start 1-2 days after Taxotere infusion and last 4-5 days.
   • Usually well controlled with over-the –counter pain meds like ibuprofen or Tylenol.
9. Hypersensitivity Reaction (Rare)
   • Can include flushing, blood pressure changes, nausea, or difficulty breathing.
   • You will receive medication through the IV prior to the Taxotere to try to help prevent this.
   • Usually occurs within the first 5-15 minutes of infusion, if at all.
10. Nail changes
    • Color changes to your fingernails or toenails may occur.
    • In rare cases, the nails fall off and will grow back after treatments are complete.
    • See keeping nails healthy instruction sheet included with this sheet.
11. Less commonly nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur.

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