Nab-paclitaxel (paclitaxel protein-bound)
Say it: nab pak-lih-TAX-el · Brand names: Abraxane
Nab-paclitaxel is a form of paclitaxel attached to a protein, and it stops cancer cells from dividing.
What it is
Nab-paclitaxel is paclitaxel bound to albumin, a protein in blood. Like paclitaxel, it freezes the tiny structures cells use to divide, so cancer cells die. Because of the protein form, most people do not need allergy medicines first.
Often used for
- breast cancer that has spread
- non-small cell lung cancer, with carboplatin
- pancreatic cancer that has spread, with gemcitabine
How you get it
Nab-paclitaxel is given through a vein (IV) over about 30 minutes. It is often given once a week for 2 or 3 weeks, then a week off, or once every 3 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Hair loss. It usually grows back after treatment.
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands and feet. Tell your team at each visit.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection. Wash your hands often.
- Nausea or vomiting. Take your anti-nausea medicine as your team tells you.
- Diarrhea. Drink fluids and tell your team if it is frequent.
- Poor appetite or rash.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
- Shortness of breath or a new dry cough
- Numbness that makes it hard to button clothes, write, or walk
- Vomiting or diarrhea so bad you cannot keep fluids down
- Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a racing heart
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have liver or kidney problems
- If you have numbness or tingling already
- If you have had a reaction to paclitaxel or albumin
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- Nab-paclitaxel is not the same as regular paclitaxel. The two cannot be swapped dose for dose.
- Nerve damage can build up over time. Tell your team about numbness.
- You will have blood tests to check your blood counts.
- Rarely, it can cause lung inflammation.
- It is made with albumin from human blood. The risk of passing on an infection is extremely low.
Questions to ask
- How often will I get this medicine?
- What should I do if numbness gets worse?
- What other medicines will I get with this?
Part of these treatment plans
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Appetite loss and weight loss
- Hair loss
- Low white blood cells and infection risk
- Neuropathy (numbness and tingling)
- Skin rash (including EGFR-inhibitor rash)
- Hand-foot syndrome
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Nab-paclitaxel (paclitaxel protein-bound)?
- Nab-paclitaxel is a form of paclitaxel attached to a protein, and it stops cancer cells from dividing. Brand names: Abraxane.
- What is Nab-paclitaxel (paclitaxel protein-bound) used for?
- breast cancer that has spread; non-small cell lung cancer, with carboplatin; pancreatic cancer that has spread, with gemcitabine.
- How is Nab-paclitaxel (paclitaxel protein-bound) given?
- Nab-paclitaxel is given through a vein (IV) over about 30 minutes. It is often given once a week for 2 or 3 weeks, then a week off, or once every 3 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Nab-paclitaxel (paclitaxel protein-bound)?
- Hair loss. Numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands and feet. Feeling tired. Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection. Nausea or vomiting. Diarrhea. Poor appetite or rash.
- When should I call my care team while taking Nab-paclitaxel (paclitaxel protein-bound)?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; Shortness of breath or a new dry cough; Numbness that makes it hard to button clothes, write, or walk; Vomiting or diarrhea so bad you cannot keep fluids down; Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a racing heart.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Nab-paclitaxel (paclitaxel protein-bound)?
- Gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel.
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.