Taxol is a drug used in the treatment of cancer. It interferes with the multiplication of cancer cells and slows or stops their growth and spread in the body.

Nausea & Vomiting: Taxol usually does not cause nausea or vomiting. You will be offered medication to control these side effects if they do occur.

Decreased blood counts (Bone Marrow Depression): Your bone marrow produces your blood cells. Taxol can lower the number of white blood cells which guard against infections and platelets which prevent bleeding. See the handout on Bone Marrow Depression.

Neuropathy: Neuropathy or nerve pain, may occur with Taxol. You may experience this as numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands or feet. These symptoms normally go away after completing treatment, and usually require no medication. However, if you are uncomfortable, let your nurse and physician know so that they can decide the best approach for relief of your symptoms.

Joint and Muscle Pain: Joint and muscle pain or weakness may happen a few days after your Taxol treatment. These symptoms usually disappear in less than a week. Although pain medication may not be necessary, notify your nurse or physician if you are uncomfortable. Your physician can prescribe medication to ease most joint pain.

Hair Loss (Alopecia): Complete hair loss, known as alopecia, almost always occurs with Taxol, as well as many other chemotherapy agents. Included are a loss of eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair, as well as scalp hair. This can occur shortly after treatment has begun. See the handout on hairloss. Remember, your hair will grow back after you've finished your Taxol treatment.

Cardiac Effects: Taxol does not appear to have any significant effect on heart function, except for a drop in heart rate (brachycardia) in some patients during treatment. This drop is not usually even noticed by patients, and requires no special precautions. As mentioned above, your nurse will be monitoring your blood pressure and pulse during treatment. An electrocardiogram (ECG) may be performed before starting Taxol, and if any irregularities in blood pressure or pulse occur during the infusion, another ECG may be taken. If you have a history of heart disease or experience any unusual symptoms, notify your nurse or doctor.