Cabazitaxel is a chemotherapy medicine (a taxane). You get it by IV infusion at a clinic or hospital. It is often used after other treatments stop working. Your care team will check your blood counts and watch for side effects before each cycle.
Brand Name(s)
- United States: Jevtana
- Canada: Jevtana [DSC]
Warning(s)
- Low white blood cell counts (neutropenia) are common and can lead to serious infections. Some infections have been fatal. You will need regular blood tests. You may receive medicines to help prevent or treat low counts.
- Severe allergic reactions can happen, though they are rare. You will usually get medicines before the infusion to lower this risk. Do not receive cabazitaxel if you are allergic to polysorbate 80.
- Serious stomach and bowel problems have happened, including bleeding, blockage, swelling, and tears (perforation). Get help right away for severe belly pain, blood in stool, black stools, new or worsening constipation or diarrhea, or fever.
- Severe diarrhea can cause dehydration and dangerous changes in salts (electrolytes). Tell your team right away if you have ongoing or severe diarrhea, vomiting, dry mouth, confusion, muscle cramps, or dizziness.
- Lung problems, including inflammation, can occur. Call your care team for new or worsening cough or shortness of breath.
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure, have happened. Report trouble passing urine, less urine than usual, blood in urine, or sudden weight gain.
- Bladder problems (including blood in urine) have been reported, especially if you had prior pelvic radiation. Report painful urination, frequent urination, or blood in urine.
- Cabazitaxel is not for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It may harm an unborn baby. If your partner can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 4 months after your last dose.
- Avoid live vaccines during treatment. Ask your care team before any vaccination.
- Adults 65 and older may have a higher risk of side effects.
Kind of Cancers It Is Used For (not a complete list)
- Prostate cancer that has spread (metastatic) and keeps growing despite low testosterone (castration-resistant), usually after treatment with docetaxel. It is often given with a steroid medicine.
Your doctor may use this drug for other reasons. Ask your care team if you have questions about why you are receiving it.
Mechanism of Action
- Cabazitaxel is a taxane that targets microtubules, the inner “scaffolding” that cells use to divide.
- By locking microtubules in place, it stops cancer cells from dividing and leads to cell death.
- It may work even when some cancers have stopped responding to other taxanes.
Common Side Effects
- Low white blood cells, anemia, or low platelets (may raise your risk of infection, tiredness, or bleeding). Your team will monitor your counts.
- Infections, including urinary tract infections. Call your care team for fever, chills, burning with urination, or flu-like symptoms.
- Tiredness or weakness.
- Hair loss.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, belly pain, or decreased appetite.
- Mouth irritation or mouth sores.
- Changes in taste or weight loss.
- Back, bone, joint, muscle, or neck pain; muscle spasms.
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in hands or feet (nerve problems).
- Shortness of breath or swelling in legs or arms.
Tips to lower risk and feel better:
- Wash hands often and avoid people who are sick to lower infection risk.
- Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor to reduce bleeding and bruising.
- Drink fluids and follow your team’s guidance for diarrhea or constipation.
- Report new or worsening symptoms right away, especially fever (possible infection), severe diarrhea, bleeding, chest or breathing problems, or severe belly pain.
Learn more: Official JEVTANA (cabazitaxel) site
Last Reviewed Date: 2025-12-15
