This leaflet provides information on a course of chemotherapy called cabazitaxel. 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 Cabazitaxel are given at the end of the leaflet.
This leaflet should be read alongside the ‘General information for patients receiving chemotherapy’ folder. If you haven’t received this folder please ask your nurse for a copy.
Why am I having Cabazitaxel chemotherapy?
Your doctor has recommended this chemotherapy because it has been found to be particularly 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.
You will be given Cabazitaxel once every three weeks. 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 every 3 weeks. 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. You will have blood tests before each chemotherapy treatment, 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. If needed, 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, and we have a leaflet that tells you more about PICC lines, if required.
Before your chemotherapy we will give you anti sickness medication through your drip which reduces the risk of you being sick or developing an allergic reaction to your chemotherapy.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Your chemotherapy appointment will be on a different day to your clinic appointment. Your treatment will be given on one of the day case treatment areas. Your treatment will take approximately 3 hours. 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
Some patients may experience hair loss. Any hair loss you experience is only temporary. Your hair will grow back when your treatment has finished.
We have a leaflet that tells you more about coping with hair loss. Please ask your nurse for a copy. We can arrange a wig for you. The leaflet explains how you can arrange to get a wig.
Loss of appetite and sickness
You may experience a loss of appetite and some people may feel sick whilst receiving Cabazitaxel but this can usually be well controlled with anti sickness medication. If you are sick more than once in 24 hours despite taking regular anti-sickness medicine, contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone numbers are towards the end of the leaflet.
Effects on your bowels
Cabazitaxel can cause either constipation or diarrhoea. If you have constipation it may be relieved by drinking plenty of fluids and eating enough fibre. Your doctor can prescribe medication to relieve constipation.
If you have diarrhoea it is important that you drink plenty of fluids. Medication is available to control diarrhoea. If you have 4 or more bowel movements in 24 hours above what is normal for you, you should contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Sore mouth
Your mouth may become sore or you may notice small ulcers. Please follow the advice on caring for your mouth in the general chemotherapy leaflet. Your doctor may prescribe mouthwashes or medication to prevent or clear any infection.
Tiredness and fatigue
You may feel more tired than usual. 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 rest.
Low blood counts
Cabazitaxel can affect your blood count, this may require a blood transfusion or increase your risk of bleeding. If you notice unusual bruising, bleeding or extreme fatigue, please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately 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 if your temperature is below 35.5°. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Effects on the nerves of your hands and feet
Cabazitaxel 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.
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.
Headaches
Some people may experience problems with headaches. Try taking the painkillers you would normally take for a headache. If you find that painkillers do not help or you have any problems with your vision please tell your doctor or nurse.
Myalgia (pain in the muscles)
Some patients may experience myalgia which is muscle or joint pain. This can sometimes be severe but will only last for a few days. If you already have painkillers at home you may find they relieve the pain. If this does not work please contact Velindre Cancer Centre. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Allergic type reaction
A small number of patients experience an allergic type reaction to Cabazitaxel. If this occurs you may feel hot or flushed, itchy, light-headed or generally unwell whilst receiving your chemotherapy. This can be easily treated. Please tell your nurse immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
A small number of patients develop an itchy rash between treatments with Cabazitaxel. If this occurs it is important that you tell your doctor or nurse at your next clinic appointment.
Cabazitaxel may increase your chance of getting a blood clot. If you’re breathless or have pain in your arms or legs please contact Velindre Cancer Centre or your GP immediately. The telephone numbers are towards the end of the leaflet.
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 side effects
Contact Velindre (the number is at the end of the leaflet), if you have any of the following:
Is it alright to take other medicines?
If you are taking other medicines please let your doctor, nurse or pharmacist know. There are a small number of medicines that you may have to avoid.
Do not take over-the-counter medications without advice.
It is important not to be vaccinated for yellow fever.
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.
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.
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 support line
Macmillan freephone Helpline 0808 808 0000
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.