Cabazitaxel
Say it: ka-BAZ-ih-TAX-el · Brand names: Jevtana
Cabazitaxel is a chemotherapy medicine that stops prostate cancer cells from dividing.
What it is
Cells need tiny inner tubes to split into two new cells. Cabazitaxel locks these tubes in place so the cell cannot divide. It can still work after a similar medicine, docetaxel, has stopped working.
Often used for
- prostate cancer that has spread and has grown after treatment with docetaxel
How you get it
Cabazitaxel is given through a vein (IV) in a clinic. The infusion takes about 1 hour. It is usually given once every 3 weeks, along with a steroid pill called prednisone. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids and ask your team which medicine to use.
- Feeling tired. Rest when you need to and take short walks.
- Upset stomach or throwing up. Eat small meals and take nausea medicine as your team tells you.
- Low blood counts. Your team will check your blood often.
- Changes in taste. Try cold foods or plastic forks and spoons.
- Not feeling hungry. Eat small snacks during the day.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Let your team know if it gets worse.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
- Chills, a sore throat, a cough, or burning when you pee (signs of infection)
- Itching, rash, swelling of the face or lips, or trouble breathing during or soon after the infusion
- Diarrhea that does not stop, or signs of dehydration like dizziness or very dark pee
- Peeing much less than normal
- Blood in your pee or stool, or black stool
- Belly pain that is bad or does not go away
Before you start, tell your team
- If you have liver or kidney problems
- If you have had an allergic reaction to medicines like docetaxel
- If you are age 65 or older
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- You will get medicines before each treatment to help prevent allergic reactions.
- You will have blood tests before each treatment to check your blood counts.
- Your team may give you a shot to help your white blood cells recover.
- Diarrhea can be serious. Call your team early if it starts.
Questions to ask
- How long will I stay on this medicine?
- What should I take if I get diarrhea?
- Will I need a shot to help my blood counts?
- How will we know if it is working?
Side effect guides
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Cabazitaxel?
- Cabazitaxel is a chemotherapy medicine that stops prostate cancer cells from dividing. Brand names: Jevtana.
- What is Cabazitaxel used for?
- prostate cancer that has spread and has grown after treatment with docetaxel.
- How is Cabazitaxel given?
- Cabazitaxel is given through a vein (IV) in a clinic. The infusion takes about 1 hour. It is usually given once every 3 weeks, along with a steroid pill called prednisone. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Cabazitaxel?
- Diarrhea. Feeling tired. Upset stomach or throwing up. Low blood counts. Changes in taste. Not feeling hungry. Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
- When should I call my care team while taking Cabazitaxel?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher; Chills, a sore throat, a cough, or burning when you pee (signs of infection); Itching, rash, swelling of the face or lips, or trouble breathing during or soon after the infusion; Diarrhea that does not stop, or signs of dehydration like dizziness or very dark pee; Peeing much less than normal; Blood in your pee or stool, or black stool; Belly pain that is bad or does not go away.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.