Docetaxel
Say it: doh-seh-TAX-el · Brand names: Taxotere
Docetaxel is a chemotherapy medicine that stops cancer cells from dividing.
What it is
Cells need tiny inner tubes to split into two new cells. Docetaxel locks these tubes in place so the cell cannot divide. This makes the cancer cell die.
Often used for
- breast cancer
- lung cancer
- prostate cancer
- stomach cancer
- head and neck cancer
How you get it
Docetaxel is given through a vein (IV) in a clinic. The infusion takes about 1 hour. It is often given once every 3 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Hair loss. A soft hat or scarf can help keep your head warm.
- Feeling very tired. Rest when you need to and take short walks.
- Nail changes, such as dark or loose nails. Keep nails short and clean.
- Mouth sores. Rinse often with a mild salt water or baking soda rinse.
- Swelling in the legs or feet from extra fluid. Prop your feet up when you sit.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Be careful with hot water and sharp things.
- Diarrhea or upset stomach. Drink plenty of fluids and eat small meals.
- Low blood counts. Your team will check your blood often.
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
- Sudden weight gain, swelling that gets worse, or trouble breathing when lying flat
- Blurry vision or a change in how you see
- Throwing up or diarrhea so bad you cannot keep fluids down
- A bad rash, blisters, or peeling skin
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have liver problems
- If you have had a reaction to docetaxel or other medicines like it
- If alcohol is a problem for you. This medicine contains some alcohol.
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- You will get a steroid medicine before treatment to help prevent allergic reactions and swelling.
- You will have blood tests before each treatment to check your blood counts. You will also have blood tests to check your liver.
- This medicine contains alcohol. It may make you feel drunk. Ask your team if it is safe to drive afterward.
- Tell your team about any change in your vision. A swelling in the back of the eye can happen and can be treated.
Questions to ask
- How often will I get this medicine, and for how long?
- What can I do to protect my nails?
- What should I do if my hands or feet start to tingle?
- Is it safe for me to drive home after treatment?
Part of these treatment plans
Side effect guides
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Docetaxel?
- Docetaxel is a chemotherapy medicine that stops cancer cells from dividing. Brand names: Taxotere.
- What is Docetaxel used for?
- breast cancer; lung cancer; prostate cancer; stomach cancer; head and neck cancer.
- How is Docetaxel given?
- Docetaxel is given through a vein (IV) in a clinic. The infusion takes about 1 hour. It is often given once every 3 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Docetaxel?
- Hair loss. Feeling very tired. Nail changes, such as dark or loose nails. Mouth sores. Swelling in the legs or feet from extra fluid. Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Diarrhea or upset stomach. Low blood counts.
- When should I call my care team while taking Docetaxel?
- 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; Sudden weight gain, swelling that gets worse, or trouble breathing when lying flat; Blurry vision or a change in how you see; Throwing up or diarrhea so bad you cannot keep fluids down; A bad rash, blisters, or peeling skin.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Docetaxel?
- FLOT, TC, TCHP, THP.
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.