Nab-Paclitaxel (Abraxane)

Paclitaxel (with albumin), also called nab-paclitaxel or Abraxane may cause a large 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. You should not receive paclitaxel (with albumin) if you already have a low number of white blood cells. Your doctor will order laboratory tests before and during your treatment to check the number of white blood cells in your blood. Your doctor will delay or interrupt your treatment if the number of white blood cells is too low. Call your doctor immediately if you develop a temperature greater than 100.4 °F (38 °C); a sore throat; cough; chills; difficult, frequent, or painful urination; or other signs of infection during your treatment with paclitaxel injection.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain tests to check your body’s response to paclitaxel (with albumin) injection.

Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving paclitaxel (with albumin) injection.

The basics

Nab-paclitaxel (brand name-Abraxane) is an FDA-approved drug for breast cancer that has spread to other body parts and has not improved or worsened after treatment with other medications. It is combined with other chemotherapy medications to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nab-paclitaxel (with albumin) injection is used in combination with gemcitabine (Gemzar) to treat cancer of the pancreas.

It is in a class of medications called antimicrotubule agents. It works by stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Let us walk you through all the relevant details you need to know about Abraxane.

How should I take nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane)?

Patient getting IV chemotherapy

Nab-paclitaxel comes as a powder which is mixed with liquid. A doctor or nurse in a medical facility injects the mix over 30 minutes into a vein. Cycles of nab paclitaxel or Abraxane may be recommended by your doctor as per your unique health conditions.

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 nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane)?

Common side effects

Serious side effects

Nab-paclitaxel may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using 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 nab-paclitaxel or Abraxane injection

  • tell your doctor about your allergies
  • tell your doctor about other intakes
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, kidney, or heart disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you plan to father a child. You or your partner should not become pregnant while you are receiving paclitaxel (with albumin) injections. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that will work for you.
  • tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding

While you are on Nab-paclitaxel or Abraxane

  • if you or your partner become pregnant while receiving paclitaxel (with albumin) injections, call your doctor. Paclitaxel may harm the fetus.
  • you should not breast-feed while you are receiving paclitaxel (with albumin) injections and for 2 weeks after your final dose.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving paclitaxel (with albumin) injection.

You can better manage these conditions by using ankr app.

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 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. Emergency service at 911 is usually needed when a victim has collapsed, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Brand names

  • Abraxane®

Last Revised – 06/19/2023, FDA update – 03/08/2019, SG

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DISCLAIMER: No part of this content constitutes medical advice, opinion, or should be used for medical decision making without consultation with a licenced medical practitioner and under a patient-provider relationship. All information on the website is provided without any claims of accuracy. For full terms and conditions, visit this link. Content curated by the Ankr team.

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