Paclitaxel
Say it: pak-lih-TAX-el
Paclitaxel is a chemotherapy medicine that stops cancer cells from dividing.
What it is
Cells use tiny structures called microtubules to pull apart when they divide. Paclitaxel freezes these structures in place. The cancer cell cannot split into two and dies.
Often used for
- breast cancer
- ovarian cancer
- lung cancer
- Kaposi sarcoma
- and some other cancers, such as stomach, esophageal, and cervical cancer
How you get it
Paclitaxel is given through a vein (IV), over 1 to 3 hours. It is often given once a week or once every 3 weeks. You get medicines before each dose to prevent an allergic reaction. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Hair loss, often complete. It usually grows back after treatment. A soft hat or scarf can help.
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands and feet. Tell your team at each visit.
- Muscle and joint aches a few days after treatment. Ask your team which pain medicine is safe.
- Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection. Wash your hands often.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Nausea or diarrhea, usually mild.
- Nail changes. Keep nails short and clean.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
- Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a racing heart during or after the infusion
- Flushing, rash, or chest tightness during the infusion
- Numbness that makes it hard to button clothes, write, or walk
- Dizziness, fainting, or a slow or uneven heartbeat
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have liver problems
- If you have numbness or tingling already
- If you have heart rhythm problems
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- Serious allergic reactions can happen, so you get medicines beforehand and your nurse watches you closely.
- Nerve damage can build up over time. Tell your team about numbness so they can change the plan if needed.
- You will have blood tests to check your blood counts.
- It can harm an unborn baby.
Questions to ask
- Will I get this weekly or every 3 weeks?
- What should I do if numbness gets worse?
- What medicines will I get before each dose?
- Will I lose all my hair, and when?
Part of these treatment plans
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Low white blood cells and infection risk
- Neuropathy (numbness and tingling)
- Hand-foot syndrome
- Pain
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Paclitaxel?
- Paclitaxel is a chemotherapy medicine that stops cancer cells from dividing.
- What is Paclitaxel used for?
- breast cancer; ovarian cancer; lung cancer; Kaposi sarcoma; and some other cancers, such as stomach, esophageal, and cervical cancer.
- How is Paclitaxel given?
- Paclitaxel is given through a vein (IV), over 1 to 3 hours. It is often given once a week or once every 3 weeks. You get medicines before each dose to prevent an allergic reaction. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Paclitaxel?
- Hair loss, often complete. Numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands and feet. Muscle and joint aches a few days after treatment. Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection. Feeling tired. Nausea or diarrhea, usually mild. Nail changes.
- When should I call my care team while taking Paclitaxel?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a racing heart during or after the infusion; Flushing, rash, or chest tightness during the infusion; Numbness that makes it hard to button clothes, write, or walk; Dizziness, fainting, or a slow or uneven heartbeat.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Paclitaxel?
- ABCP, BCP, Carboplatin and 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.