What alternatives to taxotere are there?

Jomae

I have had an allergic reaction to taxotere during the Infusion process of both my 1st and 2nd Infusions. I even had a delayed reaction to the 2nd one 2 weeks later where I broke out in itchy hives on my chest and back. Because of this, my doctor has mentioned a possible change to my regimen. I am so close to finishing my chemo with only 2 more Infusions to go, but these allergic reactions have become too serious. I am afraid a new regimen will be something that will take longer or be worse. Has anyone else had to change their taxotere/cytoxan regimen in the middle of schedule?

New Flower

if it is Necessary
Hi,
Sorry that you are having a serious skin reaction.
I know two women who changed regimen in the middle of the Chemo. They had server reaction and had no choice. It can be done. But as you every organism is different, so your oncologist probably can discuss options with you.

Good luck

VickiSam

Thank you for bring this to the attention of our bc board
I am on taxotere - however, I am given a benadryl (sp?) drip prior to 3 chemo cocktail - are you ?

I did have hives on the bottom of my feet for 2 days, after my chemo cocktail... Very interesting ... Onc nurse told me to put caladryl lotion on the bottom of my feet ... I don't understand why I wasn't told that this could be a side effort ..


VickiSam

Fran1947

Steroids
Hi Jomae,

Did your doctor give you steroids to take the day before, the day of, and the day after treatment? It is a common treatment to prevent/reduce allergic reaction to the taxotere. It is usually decadron, or dexamethasone. Taxotere is a plant alkaloid and allergic reactions are common enough that in many places the steroid treatment is the standard of care, but sometimes insurance companies want to make sure you need it before they'll pay for it.

Let us know what your doctor does - we all care about you!

Hugs,

Fran

BunnyJane

Fran1947 said:

Steroids
Hi Jomae,

Did your doctor give you steroids to take the day before, the day of, and the day after treatment? It is a common treatment to prevent/reduce allergic reaction to the taxotere. It is usually decadron, or dexamethasone. Taxotere is a plant alkaloid and allergic reactions are common enough that in many places the steroid treatment is the standard of care, but sometimes insurance companies want to make sure you need it before they'll pay for it.

Let us know what your doctor does - we all care about you!

Hugs,

Fran

Taxotere Reaction
I just completed four rounds of Taxotere and Cytoxan. I took steroids before all treatments. I did not the allergic reaction that you described (hives, etc.) with any of my treatments. However, I had severe skin burns at the injection point (I didn't have a port) following treatments #2 and #3. According to the literature that I found on chemocare, this reaction is unusual. The infusion room nurse indicated that she had never seen anything like it. The burn area was large (2 inches by 5 inches) hot and itchy, so I applied Benadryl gel and kept the area clean and dry and eventually applied Neosporin. After four weeks, I still have quite a mark at the #3 location and the #2 location has healed nicely. For treatment #4, the nurse diluted the Taxotere into a 1-liter bag. So far I don't have a burn at the #4 location. I hope that you can complete your treatment without complications.