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Side Effects of Taxol & Chemotherapy

Taxol is a brand name of paclitaxel, which is an antineoplastic chemotherapy medication administered intravenously to treat breast, ovarian and other forms of cancer. Like all medications, Taxol chemotherapy treatment has potential side effects that may require extended medical attention.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, side effects of Taxol chemotherapy considered common but not serious include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, numbness in the extremities and temporary hair loss.

    Serious Side Effects

    • Serious side effects, as cited by ChemoCare.com, include low blood pressure, swelling of the ankles or feet, and darkening of skin areas that previously have received radiation treatment. Notify the physician in charge of the patient's treatment of these symptoms before further Taxol doses are administered.

    Severe Side Effects

    • Severe side effects of Taxol chemotherapy that require immediate medical attention include difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the face, fever and chills.

    Existing Medical Conditions

    • Before receiving Taxol chemotherapy, a patient should advise her physician of existing medical conditions, such as irregular heartbeat or exposure to chickenpox or shingles. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not receive Taxol.

    Drug Interactions

    • Taxol chemotherapy has the potential to interact adversely with many drugs, including aspirin, St. John's wort and testosterone, as well as vaccines for influenza, measles, mumps and rubella.

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