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Cabazitaxel (Intravenous)

Generic name: cabazitaxel [ ka-baz-i-TAX-el ]
Brand name: Jevtana
Drug class: Mitotic inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 27, 2024.

Intravenous route(Solution)

Neutropenia

Neutropenic deaths have been reported. Monitor for neutropenia with frequent blood cell counts. Cabazitaxel is contraindicated in patients with neutrophil counts of less than or equal to 1500 cells/mm(3). Primary prophylaxis with G-CSF is recommended in patients with high-risk clinical features. Consider primary prophylaxis with G-CSF in all patients receiving a dose of 25 mg/m(2).Severe Hypersensitivity

Severe hypersensitivity reactions can occur and may include generalized rash/erythema, hypotension and bronchospasm. Severe hypersensitivity reactions require immediate discontinuation of the cabazitaxel infusion and administration of appropriate therapy. Patients should receive premedication. Cabazitaxel is contraindicated in patients who have a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions to cabazitaxel or to drugs formulated with polysorbate 80 .

Uses for cabazitaxel

Cabazitaxel injection is given together with a steroid medicine (eg, prednisone) to treat men with metastatic (cancer that has already spread) castration-resistant prostate cancer (prostate cancer that cannot be treated by surgery or medicines that lower testosterone). It is used in patients who have already been treated with other medicines (eg, docetaxel) that did not work well.

Cabazitaxel belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics (cancer medicines). It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected, other unwanted effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

Before using cabazitaxel

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of cabazitaxel injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of cabazitaxel injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have unwanted side effects (including febrile neutropenia), which may require caution in patients receiving cabazitaxel.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Proper use of cabazitaxel

Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many unwanted effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a hospital or cancer treatment center. This medicine is given through a needle placed into one of your veins.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

This medicine is usually given together with oral prednisone. Your doctor will tell you how much prednisone to take and how often.

You may also receive other medicines (eg, allergy medicine, steroids, or H2 blocker) at least 30 minutes before receiving this medicine to help prevent allergic reactions, nausea, and vomiting from the injection.

Detailed Cabazitaxel dosage information

Precautions while using cabazitaxel

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Receiving this medicine while your partner is pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 4 months after the last dose. If you think your partner has become pregnant while you are receiving this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before receiving this medicine. Some men receiving this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).

Cabazitaxel can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. If you can, avoid people with infections. Check with your doctor right away if you think you have a fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or painful or difficult urination.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions. Tell your doctor right away if you have a cough, dizziness, trouble breathing, chest or throat tightness, swelling in your face or hands, fever, chills, rash, itching or hives, skin redness, or lightheadedness or faintness while you are receiving this medicine.

Cabazitaxel may cause serious stomach or bowel problems. This is more likely in patients who have had radiation treatment in the pelvis. Call your doctor right away if you have fever, constipation, diarrhea, or stomach pain or tenderness.

Kidney failure may occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have confusion, decreased urine output, dizziness, irritability, lethargy, muscle twitching, nausea, rapid weight gain, swelling of the face, ankles, or hands, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

This medicine may cause problems in passing urine, including cystitis (inflammation of the bladder). Check with your doctor right away if you have bloody or cloudy urine, difficult, burning, or painful urination, or a frequent urge to urinate.

Lung or breathing problems may occur while you are receiving this medicine, Tell your doctor right away if you have a chest pain, cough, fever, or trouble with breathing after receiving this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Side Effects of cabazitaxel

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Less common

Incidence not known

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Less common

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Cabazitaxel side effects (more detail)

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Available Dosage Forms:

Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Mitotic Inhibitor

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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