Docetaxel

A healthcare provider may prescribe docetaxel for the treatment of different types of cancer, including lung, breast, and prostate cancer. The medication can stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying by interfering with certain structures in the cell. Docetaxel, which is available by prescription and is administered intravenously, can be given at a hospital, "infusion center," or healthcare provider's office. Side effects of docetaxel may include hair loss, neutropenia, leukopenia, and anemia.

 

What Is Docetaxel?

Docetaxel (Taxotere®) is a prescription medication used to treat various types of cancer. This includes breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer, to name a few. It is part of a group of chemotherapy medications called taxanes.
 
(Click What Is Docetaxel Used For? for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Docetaxel?

Docetaxel is currently made by sanofi-aventis.
 

How Does Docetaxel Work?

Docetaxel is part of a group of medications called taxanes. Taxanes stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying by interfering with certain structures in the cell.
 
While docetaxel can kill both healthy and cancerous cells, it has a greater effect on cells that are multiplying rapidly. Generally, cancer cells multiply more rapidly than healthy cells and are therefore more affected by docetaxel.
 
(Docetaxel Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;