Docetaxel Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of docetaxel include hair loss, anemia, and low levels of certain white blood cells. In most cases, people have no problems; if side effects do occur, they are often mild and easily treated. However, you should notify your healthcare provider right away if you develop more serious side effects, such as blood in the stool, severe mouth sores, and severe vomiting or diarrhea.

• Neutropenia (low levels of a certain type of white blood cell called neutrophils) -- in up to 100 percent of people
• Leukopenia (low levels of another type of white blood cell called leukocytes) -- up to 98.6 percent
• Anemia -- up to 94.6 percent (see Chemotherapy and Anemia)
• Hair loss -- up to 75.8 percent (see Taxotere and Hair Loss)
• Fluid retention -- up to 66.7 percent (see Fluid Retention During Chemotherapy)
• Mouth sores -- up to 66.7 percent (see Mouth and Gum Problems During Chemotherapy)
• Weakness -- up to 66.3 percent
• Nerve pain or unusual burning or tingling sensations -- up to 58.3 percent (see Nerve and Muscle Problems During Chemotherapy).
   

• Low platelets in the blood (see Blood Clotting Problems and Chemotherapy)
• Diarrhea (see Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea)
• Nail changes (see Skin and Nail Problems With Chemotherapy)
• Nausea (see Chemotherapy and Nausea)
• Muscle pain
• Vomiting
• Joint pain.