Docetaxel
Docetaxel is a medication which prevents the further growth of cancerous cells in the body. It is given to the patients with lung or breast cancer. Docetaxel can also be a part of treatment for prostate cancer, stomach cancer or cancer of the head and neck.Safety Measures
Before you start taking Docetaxel, inform your doctor if you have any allergies or other health problems, especially liver and blood disease because this medication can cause severe side effects in people with damaged liver or blood cell problems. Your doctor should also know about any kidney problems, infections, addictions or problems with immune system. Pregnant women and mothers who are breastfeeding must inform their doctor about it because Docetaxel can cause harm to the baby. Also notify your doctor if you are taking any other medications, herbal or vitamin supplements. Docetaxel can weaken your immune system, so you should protect yourself from infections.Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of Docetaxel may include hair loss, constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. You may also experience pain in the muscles, tingling sensations or numbness in arms or legs, weakness, pain in the joints and changes in color of your nails. Other common side effects are appetite loss, changes in taste in the mouth and swelling or redness of the spot where the injection of Docetaxel was administered. These side effects are not considered to be dangerous if they occur in a mild form and if they go away after your body adjusts to Docetaxel. However, if the side effects become persistent and severe, contact your doctor as soon as possible, so the treatment could be changed.Severe Side Effects
Severe side effects of Docetaxel include headache, dizziness, faintness, pain in the stomach, tiredness, fatigue, pain in the back, pain in the chest and irregular pulse. You may also experience breathing difficulties, problems with swallowing and swelling of the lymph glands. You may develop side effects which resemble to flu symptoms, such as fever, chills and sore throat.Other side effects of Docetaxel are swelling of the stomach, swelling of hands or feet, problems of urination, skin disorders, sores in the mouth, vision impairment, bleedings, bruising, unexplained weight gain and jaundice. In case of an allergic reaction to Docetaxel, you may experience breathing difficulties, tightness in the chest, rash, itchiness, skin irritation, and swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat.
As soon as you notice any of these side effects, contact your doctor.
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