Cabazitaxel

What is this medication for?

Cabazitaxel is a chemotherapy medication used to treat prostate cancer. It works by blocking the cell division process, causing the cancer cells to eventually die.

How should I take or use this medication?

Cabazitaxel is injected into the vein (given intravenously) as an infusion (drip).

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
• You are sexually active
  • Male patients with female partners who may become pregnant should use effective birth control methods during treatment and for 4 months after last dose

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Decreased white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. This may put you at increased risk of infections, bleeding or bruising, and feeling tired.
  • To reduce your risk of infection:
    • Practice good personal hygiene.
    • Avoid eating raw or half-cooked food.
    • Avoid crowded places and coming into close contact with people who are not feeling well. Wear a face mask when you’re going out.
  • To reduce your risk of bleeding:
    • Be careful when using sharp objects such as knives.
    • Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Numbness or tingling sensation in the hands or feet
  • Inform your doctor if you are bothered by this symptom or have difficulty picking up objects.
• Diarrhea
  • To manage diarrhea:
    • Drink more water or clear fluids to replace the fluids lost.
    • Avoid oily, spicy food or dairy products.
• Mild nausea or vomiting
  • Take small frequent meals.
  • Avoid food/smells that may make you feel nauseous such as oily, fried food or strong-smelling food.
• Hair loss
  • This is a temporary side effect that may be more obvious a few weeks after treatment.
  • Use a mild shampoo (such as baby shampoo) to wash your hair and scalp.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

• Hypersensitivity reaction (allergic reaction) during the infusion. Symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction include one or more of the following:
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Feeling breathless
  • Skin rashes
• Symptoms of infection such as high fever of 38 ⁰C and above
• Unusual bleeding, bruising or black sticky stools
• Symptoms of lung problems such as a dry cough that doesn’t go away, or feeling breathless

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

• Avoid taking grapefruit when you are on this medication as grapefruit may interact with it and increase the risk of side-effects.
• Avoid taking traditional Chinese medications (TCM) or “jamu” when you are on this medication.