Chemodoc

Yes, Docetaxel may cause weight gain. It may occur due to fluid retention which may initially make your feet swell and then gradually it will spread to the whole body. Call your doctor immediately if you notice swelling of feet.

You should continue to take Docetaxel as long as your doctor advises you. The duration of treatment varies with the type of cancer you have and other factors like your response to treatment. You should usually receive your infusion once every 3 weeks.

Docetaxel injection contains alcohol because of which you may experience confusion, stumbling, becoming very sleepy, or feeling like you are drunk. This may impair your ability to drive or use machinery right after receiving it. Hence, you should avoid alcohol during Docetaxel therapy, as it may affect you adversely.

Docetaxel is commonly used for breast cancer, certain types of lung cancer, prostate, stomach, and head and neck cancers. It works by restricting cells from growing and multiplying.

No, Docetaxel injection comes as a liquid to be given intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic. It is usually given over 1 hour once every 3 weeks.

Your doctor will ask you to get blood tests every time you have a scheduled dose of Docetaxel. You may be asked to have blood tests, such as hemogram and liver function tests, to ensure that you have enough blood cells and that your liver is functioning well enough to receive Docetaxel. In case of white blood cells disturbances, you may experience associated fever or infections.

Hair loss is a common side effect of Docetaxel. Normal hair growth may resume after stopping Docetaxel. However, in some cases there is permanent hair loss. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding hair loss.

Docetaxel may cause fluid retention (swelling in the hands, feet, ankles and legs) as well as severe hypersensitivity reactions. To control such possibilities from occurring all patients are given corticosteroids (dexamethasone) for 3 days starting 1 day prior to Docetaxel administration. In case of prostate cancer (metastatic castration-resistant), the recommended regimen is oral dexamethasone given at 12 hours, 3 hours, and 1 hour before the Docetaxel infusion.

Docetaxel belongs to the group of anti-cancer medicines called taxoids. It works by stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells.