Abraxane

Generic name:paclitaxel protein-bound [ PAK-li-TAX-el-PRO-teen-bound ]
Drug class:Mitotic inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Dec 2, 2020.

What is Abraxane?

Abraxane is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Abraxane is used to treat advanced cancer of the breast, lung, or pancreas. This medicine is used when he cancer cannot be treated with surgery or after other treatments have failed.

Abraxane is sometimes given with other cancer medicines.

Warnings

You should not be treated with Abraxane if you have a very low white blood cell count.

You may need frequent medical tests at your doctor's office to be sure paclitaxel is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

Abraxane can weaken your immune system. Your blood may need to be tested often.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with Abraxane if you are allergic to paclitaxel, or if you have:

• a low white blood cell count; or

• severe liver disease.

To make sure Abraxane is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease;

• kidney disease; or

• an allergic reaction to medicines like paclitaxel (such as cabazitaxel or docetaxel).

Abraxane can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

• If you are a woman, do not use Abraxane if you are pregnant. You may n...