Abraxane is a medicine that contains paclitaxel in its composition, a substance that is able to promote the union of the microtubules of some type of cancerous cells, thus avoiding their multiplication and growth.
This medicine can not be purchased in pharmacies, and can only be used to treat cancer chemotherapy in specialized oncology centers, such as INCA, under the supervision of a qualified oncologist in the administration of this type of medicine.
Price
Abraxane is an imported medicine and therefore its price may vary depending on the place of purchase and the dose of the medicine. In some cases, this remedy can be provided by SUS.
What is it for
Abraxane in single therapy is indicated for the treatment of breast cancer in adults, in which the standard treatment has had no results.
In addition, it may also be used together with gemcitabine to treat pancreatic cancer, or with carboplatin, to treat lung cancer.
How to use
This medicine can only be used in chemotherapy treatments in the hospital, since the doses and time of treatment can vary for each case and type of cancer.
However the general indications are:
- Breast cancer : 260 mg / m², administered for 30 minutes every 3 weeks;
- Pancreatic cancer : 125 mg / m², administered for 30 minutes, on days 1, 8 and 15 in 28-day cycles;
- Lung cancer : 100 mg / m², for 30 minutes, on days 1, 8 and 15 days in 21 day cycles.
However, the doses may vary throughout the treatment, depending on the response of the body of each patient.
Possible side effects
The use of Abraxane, as well as any other medicine used in chemotherapy, can cause various symptoms such as frequent infections, anemia, weight loss, dehydration, decreased appetite, tingling, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, dryness of the eyes, pain in the eyes, dizziness, earache and ringing
In addition, arrhythmias, decreased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, hair loss, and muscle or joint pain are also common.
Who should not use
This medicine should not be used in people who are allergic to any of the ingredients in the formula, such as in pregnant or breast feeding women. It is also contraindicated when there is a baseline neutrophil count below 1500 cells / mm 3.
