Ixabepilone

Ixabepilone is used in the treatment of breast cancer. It can be used alone or in combination with certain other medicines as part of combination chemotherapy. It works by interfering with growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed.

Ixabepilone is given as an IV infusion under the supervision of a doctor and should not be self-administered. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

The most common side effects of this medicine include vomiting, fever, fatigue, muscle pain and Anemia (low number of red blood cells). If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. It is important to use effective contraception to avoid getting pregnant or fathering a child during treatment. It is advised to avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medicine.

Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have liver or kidney disease, or if have been on radiation therapy. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor may check you for blood cells and liver functioning while taking this medicine.

• Breast cancer

Breast cancer
Ixabepilone helps to treat breast cancer and it may be used alone or in combination with other medicines or treatment modalities like chemotherapy. It relieves the symptoms of breast cancer such as breast lumps, bloody discharge from nipples or changes in the shape or texture of the breast. Ixabepilone kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Ixempra

• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Muscle pain
• Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain
• Mucosal inflammation
• Decreased white blood cell count
• Anemia (low number of red blood cells)
• Joint pain
• Hair loss
• Low blood platelets
• Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand)
• Nail disorder
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils)
• Nausea

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Ixabepilone is an anti-cancer medication. It works by damaging the genetic material (DNA) of the cancer cells and stops their growth and multiplication.

• Ixabepilone is given as an IV infusion under the supervision of a doctor only.
• Do not skip any dose and complete the course as suggested by your doctor.
• Use an effective method of birth control to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication.
• It may lower your body's ability to fight with infection, so maintain distance from the infected person.
• Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor your blood cell count (CBC) and liver function.

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Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 753-54.

Ixabepilone. Halle/Westfalen, Germany: Baxter Oncology GmbH; 2007. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:

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