💉 DESCRIPTION
Paclitaxel T Injection 30 mg/5 mL is a cytotoxic chemotherapy agent derived from the bark of the Pacific yew tree (Taxus brevifolia). It is used to treat various types of cancer, particularly ovarian, breast, non-small cell lung cancer, and Kaposi’s sarcoma.
- Generic Name: Paclitaxel
- Strength: 30 mg/5 mL (i.e., 6 mg/mL)
- Form: Solution for Injection (Concentrate)
- Route: Intravenous infusion
- Class: Antineoplastic agent – Taxane
- Common Brands: Taxol®, Onxol®, Paxet®, Paclitaxel T®
✅ ADVANTAGES
- Broad spectrum activity against solid tumors
- Synergistic effect when used with cisplatin or carboplatin
- Used in both first-line and second-line chemotherapy regimens
- Has a mechanism different from most alkylating agents, making it effective in resistant tumors
- Can be used in metastatic and locally advanced settings
🌿 NATURE / MECHANISM OF ACTION
- Paclitaxel promotes the assembly of microtubules and stabilizes them, preventing their normal disassembly
- This leads to cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, inhibiting mitosis and promoting apoptosis
- Acts as a mitotic spindle poison
- Not cell cycle-specific but most active in dividing cells
⚠️ PRECAUTIONS
- Hypersensitivity reactions: Due to Cremophor EL in the formulation — premedication with corticosteroids, antihistamines, and H2 blockers is mandatory
- Bone marrow suppression (especially neutropenia) — dose-limiting toxicity
- Peripheral neuropathy: Dose- and schedule-dependent
- Cardiotoxicity: Bradycardia, hypotension, ECG changes may occur
- Hepatotoxicity: Monitor liver enzymes
- Not recommended during pregnancy/lactation
- Do not administer as IV push or bolus
💊 DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION
- Dose depends on cancer type, regimen, and patient factors (e.g., liver function)
- Dilute before use: Usually in 0.9% NaCl or 5% Dextrose to final concentrations of 0.3–1.2 mg/mL
- Infuse over 3–24 hours depending on regimen
- Premedication required (e.g., dexamethasone, diphenhydramine, ranitidine)
- Use non-PVC equipment (PVC-free bags/tubing) due to leaching of DEHP by Cremophor EL
🧊 STORAGE
- Store at 20–25°C (controlled room temperature)
- Do not freeze
- Protect from light
- Once diluted:
- Stable for up to 27 hours at room temperature
- Use within 6–12 hours after dilution depending on hospital protocol
👨⚕️ PATIENT ADVICE
- Inform about risk of infusion reactions (e.g., rash, wheezing, chest pain)
- Report signs of numbness, tingling, infection (fever), easy bruising
- Hair loss is common — reversible
- Avoid pregnancy during treatment and for at least 6 months after
- Regular blood monitoring (CBC, LFTs) is essential
- No vaccinations without medical advice during therapy
📦 PACKAGING
- Glass vial (amber-colored) containing 5 mL of solution
- Strength: 30 mg (6 mg/mL)
- Rubber stopper, sealed with aluminum flip-off cap
- Labeled with:
- Drug name, strength, batch no., expiry date
- Storage instructions
- “Cytotoxic: Handle with care” marking