Abraxane

Abraxane is an anticancer medicine used to relieve symptoms associated with cancers of the breast, lung, or pancreas. Abraxane is administered as intravenous (directly into a vein) injections.

How does this medication work?

Abraxane is thought to work by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in the body.

What are the beneficial effects of this medication and when should I begin to have results?

What: By stopping the growth of cancer cells, Abraxane may help to relieve your symptoms associated with cancer.

When: Everyone responds differently to treatment, so try to be patient and follow your healthcare provider's directions.

How do I know it is working?

Your healthcare provider may order tests regularly to check how well this medication is working.

The following is not a full list of side effects. Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Only your healthcare provider can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this medication.

Your healthcare provider will do routine blood tests during treatment with Abraxane. Your healthcare provider will also monitor your white blood cell counts. People with low white blood cell counts can develop severe infections.

Your healthcare provider will not switch you to or from another formulation of paclitaxel (the ingredient in Abraxane).

More common side effects may include: hair loss; numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet; abnormal heart beat; tiredness; joint and muscle pain; changes in your liver function tests; rash; anemia (low red blood cell counts); nausea and vomiting; infections; diarrhea; dehydration; swelling in the hands or feet, decreased appetite, fever.

Less common side effects may include:

Lung or breathing problems, with symptoms such as sudden onset of persistent dry cough or shortness of breath.

Serious allergic reactions, with symptoms such as rash, swelling, or anaphylaxis (a serious and rapid allergic reaction that may result in death if not immediately treated).

Harm to your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant while receiving Abraxane.

Your healthcare provider will not administer Abraxane to you if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.

Your healthcare provider will not administer Abraxane to you if you have low white blood cell counts.

Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Abraxane. Also, talk to your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, especially if you have liver or kidney problems, if you are a man planning to father a child, or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your healthcare provider uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your healthcare provider may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your healthcare provider's approval.

Adults: Your healthcare provider will prescribe the appropriate dose for you based on your height and weight.

If you have liver impairment, your healthcare provider may adjust your dose appropriately.

Your healthcare provider will administer Abraxane to you.

Do not miss any scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider.

Do not become pregnant or breastfeed while you are receiving Abraxane. Talk to your healthcare provider about effective birth control methods.

Do not father a child while you are receiving Abraxane. Talk to your healthcare provider about effective birth control methods.

If Abraxane is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Abraxane may interact with numerous medications. Therefore, it is very important that you tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking.

Abraxane can harm your unborn baby if you receive it during pregnancy. Do not become pregnant or breastfeed while you are receiving Abraxane. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Abraxane should be given under special circumstances determined by your healthcare provider. If you miss your scheduled dose, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.

Your healthcare provider will store this medication for you.

In the event of a medical emergency call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately. In the event of overdose, call your doctor or poison control for further instructions.
National Poison Control#: Call 1-800-222-1222

This PDR+ drug information has been developed by the Physicians’ Desk Reference Network (PDRN), a source of medication information trusted by doctors for over 65 years.

This monograph summarizes the most important information about your medication and does not cover all the information you may need. If you have any questions or concerns or want to learn more about your medication, ask your healthcare provider; he/she will be able to provide answers to your questions. This medication should only be used by the patient for whom it was prescribed and should not be shared with other people.

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