(Newswire.net — April 13, 2017) — Taxotere, otherwise known as Docetaxel, is a drug used for chemotherapy when treating cancers such as breast, stomach, prostate, head and neck, and non-small cell lung cancer. You may also use this drug for other types of cancer such as ovarian and bladder.
Docetaxel is a manmade drug, originally developed from yew tree needles and belongs to the class of chemotherapy drugs named plant alkaloids. It typically works by stopping the cancer cells from separating into new cells, therefore blocking the growth of cancer and stopping the risk of spreading.
However, there has been a rise in lawsuits filed against the manufacturer of Taxotere, Sanofi-Aventis. Chemotherapy patients claim the company failed to warn them of the increased risk of alopecia which, although a common side-effect of chemo, has remained permanent and stopped hair growth even once the patient is in remission.
If you’ve found yourself the victim of permanent alopecia, consider filing your own alopecia lawsuit. Tenacious attorneys at napolilaw.com handle many Taxotere lawsuits to pursue compensation for patients.
With Taxotere still being used to treat certain types of cancers, we’re providing information that will help you understand the drug better, and the process of using it.
How is Docetaxel Administered?
Before or on the day of your treatment, a nurse or phlebotomist will take blood from you and use the sample to determine whether you are well enough to undergo chemotherapy. Doctors and nurses will also ask questions such as “how have you been?” and if your blood results come back positive, they will give the go-ahead for you to begin your treatment.
Your nurse will make sure to administer an anti-sickness drug and maybe a steroid. These drugs, along with Docetaxel, can be given to you through a cannula that a nurse puts in your arm or hand. A fine tube that is put into a vein in your arm and goes up into a vein found in your chest.
The Docetaxel is usually in the form of a drip and runs through a pump meaning the treatment is managed over a set time which usually takes about an hour.
When being given Docetaxel, make sure to keep an eye out for any allergic reactions such as rashes, swelling, or general feelings of unease that cause you to feel unwell.
Coping with Side Effects
As previously stated, side effects can be a widespread problem when undergoing Docetaxel treatment. Make sure to be aware of the common and occasional side effects of chemotherapy. If you have any concerns, make sure to voice them and obtain the contact number of your doctor and nurse so you can phone them if you feel unwell or need advice.
Important Points to Remember
Side effects may get better or worse throughout your treatment, or sadly, more side effects may develop as the course continues. Make sure to consider your general health and whether there may be other drugs reacting with the Docetaxel.