Abraxane (Paclitaxel)

Celgene Corporation

Nationwide Prescription Connection (NPC) is an experienced advocacy service that helps connect patients to manufacturer provided free and discount programs. We can help the uninsured, under insured, those in the Medicare gap also known as the "doughnut hole", or even those needing help with expensive co-pays.  Our web site makes it easy for you to enter the medications you are taking, along with some basic patient information, and then finds the program that is right for you.

NPC's mission is your health. We recognize your need for help when you are applying for discount programs for your prescription medications. We consist of friendly and experienced advocates that not only know how these free and discount programs work, but are ready to help. We are available to take your call and answer any questions you may have as you search for the right program to fit your needs. We can also explain any supporting material you may need to provide as you apply for these programs. If for any reason you are denied, we also are experienced in the best appeals process with a high success rate.

Mitotic Inhibitors

Cancers

This medication is used to treat certain cancers (including breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer). Paclitaxel belongs to a class of drugs known as chemotherapy drugs. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist before you start using paclitaxel. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. It is given on a schedule as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, laboratory tests, and response to treatment.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, headache, muscle/joint pain, numbness/tingling/burning of the hands/feet, weakness, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly. Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of anemia (e.g., unusual tiredness, pale skin), easy bruising/bleeding, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, pain/redness/swelling/weakness of the arms/legs, calf pain/swelling that is warm to the touch, vision changes. This medication may rarely irritate the vein it is given into or leak out of the vein and irritate the area. These effects may cause redness, pain, swelling, discoloration, or unusual skin reactions at the injection site, either while the drug is given or rarely 7 to 10 days later. If this drug has leaked out of a vein and caused a skin reaction in the past, you may rarely have a skin reaction in that same area when the drug is given again, even when it is given into another area. Tell your doctor right away of any unusual skin/injection site symptoms. Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest/jaw/left arm pain, coughing up blood, fainting, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, confusion, sudden severe headache. This medication contains albumin that comes from human blood. There is a very small chance that you may get infections from this medication (e.g., viral infections such as hepatitis), even though careful screening of blood donors, special manufacturing processes, and many tests are all used to reduce this risk. Discuss the benefits and risks of treatment with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following: signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, cough, persistent sore throat), signs of hepatitis (e.g., persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, increasing tiredness). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. Do not restart this medication if you have previously stopped using it due to a serious allergic reaction. Get medical help right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing, flushing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: other drugs that may decrease bone marrow function (e.g., azathioprine, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole).

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away to establish a new dosing schedule.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.