This leaflet provides information on a course of chemotherapy called Abraxane. The leaflet will explain what this is and when and how it will be given. It will also tell you about common side effects that you may experience. Contact telephone numbers and details of how to obtain further information on this chemotherapy are given at the end of the leaflet.
This leaflet should be read alongside the ‘General information for patients receiving chemotherapy’ leaflet. If you haven’t received this leaflet please ask your nurse for a copy.
What is Abraxane chemotherapy?
Abraxane is a new chemotherapy treatment using a well established drug called paclitaxel. Abraxane is prepared in a different way to standard paclitaxel. This reduces the possibility of allergic reactions.
Why am I having Abraxane chemotherapy?
Your doctor has recommended this chemotherapy because it has been found to be effective in treating your type of cancer.
How often will I receive my chemotherapy?
For this treatment to be most effective it will be given at specific time intervals. These are known as cycles.
Abraxane can be given in two different ways. These are explained below. Your nurse or doctor will tell you which way your treatment will be given.
Weekly treatment
In each four week cycle you will be given Abraxane every week for 3 weeks followed by one week’s rest. Your doctor will discuss with you how many cycles you will receive.
Or
Three weekly treatment
You will be given Abraxane once every three weeks. It is usual to have up to 6 cycles. Your doctor will discuss with you how many cycles you will receive.
How often will I see the specialist team?
You will see the specialist team before each cycle. You will have blood tests before each treatment. We will check how you are feeling and discuss any problems you may have. This is so we can check how the chemotherapy is affecting you. If your blood results are satisfactory, your chemotherapy will be prescribed.
How will my chemotherapy be given?
Your chemotherapy is given through a drip into a vein in the back of your hand or arm. Alternatively it may be suggested that a fine tube called a PICC is inserted into a large vein in your upper arm. This will remain in place throughout the course of your treatment. Your doctor or nurse will discuss this further with you, if required, and we have a leaflet that tells you more about PICC lines.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Your chemotherapy appointment will usually be on a different day to your clinic appointment. The chemotherapy treatment will take about an hour. Please allow an extra 30 minutes for your first treatment.
Can I bring relatives and friends with me?
You are welcome to bring someone to stay with you during your treatment. Space is limited so there is not usually room for more than one person. Treatment areas are not suitable for young children.
What are the possible side effects?
There are a number of possible side effects which can occur with this chemotherapy. The doctors, nurses and pharmacists can give you advice or answer any questions you may have.
Hair loss
Unfortunately you will lose your hair with this chemotherapy. This is only temporary. Your hair will grow back when your treatment has finished. A method known as ‘scalp cooling’ or ‘cold capping’ can be used to prevent hair loss. If you decide to have cold cap, please allow approximately 1½ hours extra for your treatment. Otherwise we can arrange a wig if you would like one. If you want to know more about scalp cooling or wigs please speak to your nurse.
We have a leaflet that tells you more about coping with hair loss. Please ask your nurse for a copy.
Sickness
Nausea and vomiting are uncommon these days as we will give you anti-sickness medicines which are usually extremely effective. If you are sick more than once in 24 hours despite taking regular anti-sickness medicine when you are at home after your chemotherapy treatment, contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Infection
You are at an increased risk of picking up infections because your white blood cells which help fight infections can be reduced by this treatment.
If you develop an infection whilst your white blood cells are low, you are at risk of sepsis, this can be life threatening.
Contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately if you develop any signs of infection, for example flu like symptoms or a temperature above 37.5°centigrade or below 35.5°centigrade. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Diarrhoea
You may have diarrhoea with this chemotherapy. If this occurs it is important that you drink plenty of fluids. Medication is available to control diarrhoea. If you have four or more bowel movements in 24 hours above what is normal for you please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Tiredness and fatigue
This chemotherapy can make you feel more tired than usual. Some people may feel very tired and dizzy. You should not drive if you experience these symptoms.
It is important to listen to your body and rest if you need to, but carry out your normal activities if you feel able. Some people find it beneficial to take gentle exercise as well as taking rest.
Effects on the nerves of your hands and feet
Abraxane can affect the nerves of your hands and feet. This may lead to a loss of sensation, tingling or pins and needles. If this occurs please tell your doctor or nurse at your next clinic visit as we may need to change your treatment.
These symptoms may increase as you have more cycles of chemotherapy. It is important to be extra careful when exposing your hands and feet to hot or cold temperatures. These symptoms usually go away within a few months of finishing your treatment.
Painful or aching joints
Some patients have noticed that they have pains or aches in their joints. This is most likely to occur 2-3 days after each treatment. Let your doctor or nurse know if this happens as we can give you pain killers to help.
Women sometimes find that chemotherapy treatment affects their periods. They could become heavier, lighter or even stop altogether.
It is important you do not become pregnant or father a child whilst having chemotherapy treatment as chemotherapy could damage the unborn baby.
This chemotherapy can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. It is best to avoid strong sunlight and wear a hat and use a sun block when in the sun.
Blood clots
A diagnosis of cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having cancer treatment may increase this risk further. It is important to tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in your leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.
Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information.
Other information
If you have taken capecitabine chemotherapy tablets in the past, you may experience mild pain, redness and swelling of your hands or feet. This is a rare side effect. If it occurs we recommend using a non perfumed cream or lotion regularly. Please contact Velindre Cancer Centre if your hands or feet become painful.
Sometimes cancer drugs can have very serious side effects which rarely can be life threatening. It is important to inform Velindre cancer centre if you are concerned about any side-effects.
Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets
Velindre leaflets provide information about very common and commonly reported side-effects (we are unable to list all of the common side effects), for more information regarding these and the less common side-effects please refer to the manufacturers patient information leaflets, obtained from Velindre pharmacy and/or on the internet at www.medicines.org.uk. Sometimes patients may find these leaflets difficult to read however. Please ask if you would like a copy from your doctor or from Velindre pharmacy
Contact telephone numbers
Velindre Cancer Centre 029 2061 5888
Ask for the treatment helpline if you are unwell at home and need immediate advice at any time of the day or night. For example you should phone if you:
Pharmacy department 029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your medicines
Tenovus freephone 0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
This information is also available in Welsh
This leaflet was written by health professionals. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. It has been approved by doctors, nurses and patients. It is reviewed and updated every 2 years.
Prepared April 2010
Reviewed July 2016