Taxol

Taxol side effects
Most people do not experience all of the Taxol side effects listed.
Taxol side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset and duration.
Taxol side effects are almost always reversible and will go away after treatment is complete.
There are many options to help minimize or prevent Taxol side effects.
There is no relationship between the presence or severity of Taxol side effects and the effectiveness of the medication.
The Taxol side effects and their severity vary depending on how much of the drug is given, and/or the schedule in which it is given.

The following Taxol side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking Taxol:
Low blood counts. Your white and red blood cells and platelets may temporarily decrease. This can put you at increased risk for infection, anemia and/or bleeding.
Hair loss
Arthralgias and myalgias, pain in the joints and muscles. Usually temporary occurring 2 to 3 days after Taxol, and resolve within a few days.
Peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling of the hands and feet)
Nausea and vomiting (usually mild)
Diarrhea
Mouth sores
Hypersensitivity reaction - fever, facial flushing, chills, shortness of breath, or hives after Taxol is given. The majority of these reactions occur within the first 10 minutes of an infusion. Notify your healthcare provider immediately (premedication regimen has significantly decreased the incidence of this reaction). The following are less common side effects (occurring in 10-29%) for patients receiving Taxol:
Swelling of the feet or ankles (edema).
Increases in blood tests measuring liver function. These return to normal once treatment is discontinued. (see liver problems).
Low blood pressure (occurring during the first 3 hours of infusion).
Darkening of the skin where previous radiation treatment has been given (radiation recall - see skin reactions).
Nail changes (discoloration of nail beds - rare) (see skin reactions).Nadir: 15-21 daysThis list includes common and less common side effects for individuals taking Taxol. Side effects that are very rare, occurring in less than 10% of patients, are not listed here. However, you should always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.