What is this medicine?

DOCETAXEL (doe se TAX el) is a chemotherapy drug. It targets fast dividing cells, like cancer cells, and causes these cells to die. This medicine is used to treat many types of cancers like breast cancer, certain stomach cancers, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
• liver disease
• low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
• an unusual or allergic reaction to docetaxel, polysorbate 80, other chemotherapy agents, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This drug is given as an infusion into a vein. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medicine?

• cyclosporine
• erythromycin
• ketoconazole
• medicines to increase blood counts like filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, sargramostim
• vaccines

Talk to your doctor or health care professional before taking any of these medicines:

• acetaminophen
• aspirin
• ibuprofen
• ketoprofen
• naproxen

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.