Paclitaxel

Last updated 25 Nov 2025 | 09:34 AM (UTC)

Paclitaxel Uses

Paclitaxel is used in the treatment of breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.

How Paclitaxel works

Paclitaxel is an anticancer medication. It works by interfering with the microtubule structures which help the cancer cells to divide and multiply. This slows the growth of cancer cells and eventually kills them.

Common side effects of Paclitaxel

Nausea, Vomiting, Rash, Low blood platelets, Urinary tract infection, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Hair loss, Diarrhea, Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Edema (swelling), Joint pain, Muscle pain, Infection, Sensory neuropathy, Abnormal ECG, Fatigue, Increased bilirubin in the blood, Increased aspartate aminotransferase, Increased alkaline phosphatase level in blood, Fever, Pneumonia, Decreased appetite, Visual disturbance, Increased gamma-glutamyltransferase, Depression, Cough, Hypotension (low blood pressure), Cardiovascular reaction, Increased creatinine level in blood, Pneumonitis

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Medicine brands for Paclitaxel

Intaxel

Fresenius Kabi India Pvt Ltd

₹1150 to ₹3870

3 variant(s)

Mitotax

Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd

₹1008 to ₹3843

3 variant(s)

Dutaxel

Samarth Life Sciences Pvt Ltd

₹396 to ₹1128

3 variant(s)

Pacliall

Panacea Biotec Pharma Ltd

₹7914 to ₹7914

1 variant(s)

Nanoxel

Fresenius Kabi India Pvt Ltd

Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹9974 to ₹11507

2 variant(s)

Expert advice for Paclitaxel

Paclitaxel is an anti-cancer medication used for the treatment of breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer.
It is given as an intravenous (IV) injection into your vein, usually over 1 hour and every three weeks.
Do not take Paclitaxel if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Use reliable methods of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor your blood cells and liver function during treatment with this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you notice unexplained bruising or bleeding, sore throat, mouth ulcers, high temperature (fever) or other signs of infection.
Talk to your doctor if you have sudden weight gain or if you have swelling in your arms and legs that doesn't go away.

Frequently asked questions for Paclitaxel

Q. Is Paclitaxel generic/ taxane/ FDA approved/cytotoxic?

Yes, Paclitaxel is generic/ taxane/ FDA approved/ cytotoxic

Q. Is Paclitaxel a vesicant?

Paclitaxel is usually a vesicant (irritant)

Q. Is Paclitaxel light sensitive/ hydrophobic/ cardiotoxic?

Yes, Paclitaxel is light sensitive/ hydrophobic/ cardiotoxic

Q. Does Paclitaxel cause hair loss?

Yes, Paclitaxel may cause hair loss as a side effect. Please inform your doctor about any side effect while you are on Paclitaxel therapy

Q. What is Paclitaxel derived from?

Paclitaxel is derived from bark of the Pacific yew, Taxus brevifolia.