The Basics
Cabazitaxel (brand name-Jevtana) is an FDA-approved treatment used along with prednisone for prostate cancer (cancer of a male reproductive organ) that has already been treated with other medications.
Cabazitaxel injection is in a class of medications called microtubule inhibitors. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Let us walk you through key things you need to know about cabazitaxel.
Make sure you read IMPORTANT WARNING section at the end of this article.
How should I take cabazitaxel (Jevtana)?
Cabazitaxel injection comes as a liquid to be given into a vein over 1 hour by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. It is usually given once every 3 weeks.
You must take prednisone daily during your treatment with cabazitaxel injection. It is important that you take prednisone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have missed doses or have not taken prednisone as prescribed.
Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr
What are the side effects of cabazitaxel or Jevtana?
Common side effects
- change in ability to taste food
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- swelling inside mouth
- headache
- joint or back pain
- numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
- hair loss
- nausea
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- constipation
- swelling of the face, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- pale skin
- dry mouth
- tiredness or weakness
Serious side effects
- decreased urination
- blood in the urine
- blood in stool
- changes in stool color
- dark urine, decreased sweating, dry skin, and other signs of dehydration
- irregular heartbeat
- shortness of breath
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- heartburn
Cabazitaxel may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving cabazitaxel or Jevtana
- tell your doctor about your allergies
- tell your doctor about other intakes
- tell your doctor if you have any other disease, symptom or treatment in past or now
While you are on cabazitaxel or Jevtana
- you should know that cabazitaxel injection is usually used in men with prostate cancer. If used by pregnant women, cabazitaxel injection can cause harm to the fetus. Talk to your doctor about suitable birth control measures.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving cabazitaxel injection.
I forgot a dose. What should I do?
Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
In case of an emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include the following:
- sore throat
- cough
- fever
- chills
- muscle aches
- burning on urination
- other signs of infection
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- pale skin
- shortness of breath
- excessive tiredness or weakness
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
Brand names
- Jevtana®
Last Revised – 03/21/2023, FDA-updated- 09/14/2017, SG
Cabazitaxel or Jevtana injection may cause a serious or life-threatening decrease in the number of white blood cells (a type of blood cell that is needed to fight infection) in your blood. This increases the risk that you will develop a serious infection. Tell your doctor if you are 65 years of age or older, if you have or have ever had a low number of white blood cells along with a fever, if you have been treated with radiation therapy, and if you are unable to eat a healthy diet.
Your doctor will order laboratory tests to check the number of white blood cells in your blood before and during your treatment. If you have a low number of white blood cells, your doctor may decrease your dose or stop or delay your treatment. Your doctor may also prescribe a medication to help prevent life-threatening complications if your white blood cells decrease.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: sore throat, fever (a temperature greater than 100.4°F), chills, muscle aches, cough, burning on urination, or other signs of infection.
Cabazitaxel injection may cause severe or life-threatening allergic reactions, especially when you receive your first two infusions of cabazitaxel injection. Your doctor will give you medications to prevent an allergic reaction at least 30 minutes before you receive cabazitaxel injection. You should receive your infusion in a medical facility where you can be treated quickly if you have a reaction. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to cabazitaxel injection or polysorbate 80 (an ingredient found in some foods and medications).
Ask your doctor if you are not sure if a food or medication you are allergic to contains polysorbate 80. If you experience an allergic reaction to cabazitaxel injection, it may begin within a few minutes after your infusion starts, and you may experience the following symptoms: rash, reddening of the skin, itching, dizziness, faintness, or tightening of the throat. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you experience any of these symptoms.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain tests to check your body’s response to cabazitaxel injection.
Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking cabazitaxel injection.
Get 24×7 support for cabazitaxel (Jevtana)
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