Abraxane is a drug that contains paclitaxel in its composition, a substance that is able to promote the union of microtubules of some types of cancer cells, thus preventing their multiplication and growth.
This drug cannot be purchased at pharmacies, it can only be used to treat cancer chemotherapy at specialized oncology centers, such as INCA, under the supervision of a qualified oncologist in the administration of this type of medication.
Price
Abraxane is an imported medicine and, therefore, its price may vary according to the place of purchase and the dose of the medicine. In some cases, this remedy may be provided by SUS.
What is it for
Abraxane as a single therapy is indicated for the treatment of breast cancer in adults, in which standard treatment has had no results.
In addition, it can also be used together with gemcitabine, to treat pancreatic cancer, or with carboplatin, to treat lung cancer.
How to use
This medication can only be used in chemotherapy treatments in the hospital, as the doses and treatment times may vary for each case and type of cancer.
However the general indications are:
- Breast cancer: 260 mg / m², administered for 30 minutes every 3 weeks; Pancreatic cancer: 125 mg / m², administered for 30 minutes, on days 1, 8 and 15 in 28-day cycles; Lung cancer: 100 mg / m², for 30 minutes, on days 1, 8 and 15 days in cycles of 21 days.
However, the doses may vary throughout the treatment, according to the response of each patient's body.
Possible adverse reactions
The use of abraxane, like any other medicine used in chemotherapy, can cause various symptoms such as frequent infections, anemia, weight loss, dehydration, decreased appetite, tingling, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, dry eyes, pain in the eyes, dizziness, earache and tinnitus
In addition, arrhythmias, decreased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, hair loss and muscle or joint pain are also common.
Who should not use
This medicine should not be used in people with allergies to any of the components of the formula, as well as in pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is also contraindicated when there is a baseline neutrophil count of less than 1500 cells / mm³.
