Taxol (Paclitaxel) - Allergic Reaction

[Lozzer2014]

Mollymop

Thank you for your response. Am glad to say that I now have extra pre meds before chemo and so far no more reactions.

Am interested that you were weekly for nearly two years. I have done 9 weeks so far. Am awaiting a scan and if ok will continue for so long as it works. How did you manage from a symptom point of view? Did u lose your hair and if so did any grow back?

Regards,

Lorraine x

[Mollymop]

I had quite a major reaction to my fourth infusion of Taxol however with an adjustment to my pre meds I continued on it weekly for almost two years. I had no further issues. I had a similar reaction to Taxotere three years earlier. Wishing you the best with your treatment x

[Lozzer2014]

Thank you Pace and you. Xxx

[Pace]

Hi Lorraine,

That's great that you are able to continue the Taxol treatment!

I recognize so well the stress you go through before each treatment. As time goes on without ithe allergy symptoms returning you will feel less stressed I'm sure. Even when they did come every time like they did in my case - I got used to them and the stress diminished. Wishing you all the best! 

Pace

[Lozzer2014]

Hi Pace

Thank you for responding and am sorry that you have had auch an ordeal.

Fab news that it has worked. It makes it all worthwhile.

I have now had two more trwatments and been given Cortisone beforehand and thankfully no reaction. Hope it stays that way but still get stressed each time in anticipation of it happening.

Best wishes for ongoing treatment.

Lorraine xx

[Pace]

Oh that's good that everything is ok! I was beginning to wonder 🙂

Thanks for taking care of it Anna!

Best wishes

Pace

[Anna_BCC]

Hi Pace

I am sorry that this post originally got caught up in the automatic spam filter.  Occasionaly that happens.  Hope this is all good for you now.

Best wishes
Anna
Digital Community Officer

[Pace]

Hi Lozzer2014,

Sorry to hear about your allergic reactions to Taxol. 

The same thing happened to me the second time I got it - within the first 10 min I got the sudden flushed face, tight chest and extremely painful cramps in my spinal chord. I have just finished 12 weekley treatments with Taxol (and Herceptin and Perjeta every three weeks pluss Zometa every 12 weeks for the bone mets). However - I had to take premedication with three different antihistamines and 8 mg of dexamethasone the morning of the chemo, plus (through the IV) an extra high dose of cortison 30 min before the infusion together with Stesolid to relax the cramps in my back. In spite of all this, I still had a reaction (although much less severe) to the chemo every week except for the last one.  It took hours to get the chemo in (slow drip). The "ups and downs" being off and on the cortisone every week made me extra tired. But - it was all worth it. I just got the results from the doctor - both the tumour in my breast and the ones in my bones have shrunk more than he could hope for. (I have multiple lesions in my back, ribs, neck and pelvis). Taxol is very effective on many people - and adding cortisone and slowing the drip should get you through it. The best of luck to you! Pace

[Lozzer2014]

Thanks Anna.

[Anna_BCC]

Hi Lozzer2014

Sorry that you havent had a response yet. This is a welcoming space and I am sure that someone will be along soon to share their own experience with you.

In the meantime you may find it helpful to speak with one of our experts on the free Helpline, 0808 800 6000.

Alternatively you can always post a question in the Ask Our Nurses area of the Forum.

Have you considered joining the private group here for women with secondary breast cancer?  Many find it a safe space to share their exeriences openly where no one else is able to read them.

Best wishes
Anna
Digital Community Officer

[Lozzer2014]

Hi, just wondering if anyone who has recently started on Taxol has had an allergic reaction to it.

I have had three infusions (equivalent to one cycle) first one was fine but then had reactions within 10 mins of starting the other two. First one was scarey - tigtness in chest hot flush and back pain. Treatment was stopped and was given extra antihystamins which sorted it. When chemo was restarted it went ok.

Saw consultant today and he was concerned. He said if keeps happening I will not be able to continue with Taxol.

I have mets in bones and liver. Consultant said Taxol is a good treatment so worried I will not be able to continue as am slowly running out of options.

Anyone out there had a similar experience??