Skip Navigation

AIDSInfo logo

 
Home > Drugs > Paclitaxel

Paclitaxel
PAK-li-tax-el   Audio

Brand Name: Taxol, Onxol  Audio
Drug Class: Opportunistic Infection and Other Drugs
Paclitaxel, also known as Taxol, belongs to the class of drugs called antineoplastics. Antineoplastics slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.

HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
Paclitaxel was approved by the FDA on August 4, 1997, as a second-line treatment for AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

Dosage Form/Administration
Paclitaxel comes in liquid form that is given by intravenous infusion into a vein.

Contraindications
Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects
Along with its desired effects, paclitaxel can cause some serious unwanted effects, including unusual tiredness or weakness; flushing of the face; skin rash or itching; shortness of breath; fever or chills; cough or hoarseness; lower back or side pain; painful or difficult urination; black tarry stools; unusual bleeding or bruising; blood in urine or stools; pinpoint red spots on skin; heart effects, including slowed heartbeat, low blood pressure, or abnormal electrocardiogram; liver problems; pain or redness at injection site; or sores in mouth and on lips. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects.
Other side effects of paclitaxel may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of this medicine. Less serious side effects include pain in joints or muscles, especially in the arms and legs; diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting; numbness, burning, or tingling in hands or feet; and loss of hair. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.

Drug and Food Interactions
A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.

Clinical Trials
Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Paclitaxel.

Manufacturer Information
Paclitaxel
  Bristol - Myers Squibb Co
  PO Box 4500
  Princeton,  NJ  08543-4500
  (800) 321-1335
    

Taxol
  Bristol - Myers Squibb Co
  PO Box 4500
  Princeton,  NJ  08543-4500
  (800) 321-1335
    

Onxol
  Teva Parenteral Medicines, Inc.
  19 Hughes
  Irvine,  CA  92618-1902
  (800) 729-9991
    
Updated December 26, 2007