Taxonab 100 mg contains paclitaxel, an anticancer medicine classified as a taxane derivative. It is used widely in the treatment of various types of solid tumors, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer. Paclitaxel is a chemotherapy agent that works by interfering with how cancer cells grow and divide. Taxonab is given by intravenous infusion and is often used as part of a combination therapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer.

Mechanism of Action

Paclitaxel works by targeting the internal skeleton of a cell, specifically the microtubules. These structures are essential for the process of cell division. Paclitaxel stabilises microtubules and prevents them from breaking down, which is a necessary step for cells to complete division. As a result, the cancer cells become stuck during the division process and eventually die. Since cancer cells divide more quickly than normal cells, they are more affected by this mechanism, making paclitaxel effective in controlling tumor growth.

Uses

Taxonab is used to treat a variety of cancers, including:

• Breast cancer: Both early-stage and metastatic, especially after failure of other treatments

• Ovarian cancer: In combination with other chemotherapy agents or as a second-line treatment

• Non-small cell lung cancer: Often combined with platinum-based chemotherapy

• Pancreatic cancer: In combination with other drugs like gemcitabine

• Kaposi’s sarcoma: In patients with HIV/AIDS

  Adverse Effects

  Paclitaxel, like other chemotherapy drugs, affects both cancerous and healthy rapidly dividing cells, which can lead to side effects. These effects can vary from person to person.

  Common Side Effects

  • Hair loss

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Low blood counts, which may increase the risk of infections, bleeding, or fatigue

  • Peripheral neuropathy, which causes numbness or tingling in hands and feet

  • Joint or muscle pain

  • Mouth sores