Paclitaxel is a chemotherapy medicine. You receive it as an intravenous (IV) infusion in a clinic or hospital. It may be given alone or with other cancer drugs. Your care team will watch you during and after the infusion.
Brand Name(s)
- Taxol (solvent-based paclitaxel)
- Paclitaxel injection (generic; made by several manufacturers)
- Abraxane (paclitaxel protein-bound, also called nab-paclitaxel). This is a related, different formulation.
Warning(s)
Paclitaxel can cause serious side effects. You will have blood tests and monitoring before each dose.
- Low white blood cells (neutropenia) can raise your risk of infection. Call your care team right away if you have fever, chills, sore throat, or a cough that is new or worsening.
- Serious allergic or infusion reactions can happen, especially with the solvent-based form. Tell your nurse right away if you have trouble breathing, chest tightness, flushing, hives, rash, dizziness, or swelling. You may receive medicines before treatment to lower this risk.
- Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) can cause numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in your hands or feet. Report new or worsening symptoms.
- Paclitaxel can harm an unborn baby. Do not get pregnant or father a child during treatment. Use effective birth control and ask how long to continue after finishing therapy. Do not breastfeed during treatment.
- Some paclitaxel products contain alcohol (ethanol). You may feel dizzy or drowsy after an infusion. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how you feel.
- Heart and blood pressure changes can occur. Tell your team if you feel faint, have a racing or slow heartbeat, chest pain, or swelling in your legs.
- Liver problems can happen. Your team will check liver tests regularly.
- Drug interactions are common. Tell your care team about all medicines and supplements you take. This includes over-the-counter products and herbs (such as St. John’s wort).
- Avoid live vaccines during treatment unless your care team says it is safe.
Kind of Cancers It Is Used For (not a complete list)
Paclitaxel is used for many solid tumors. It may be used before surgery, after surgery, or for advanced cancer, depending on your situation.
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian and fallopian tube cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- Kaposi sarcoma related to AIDS
- Head and neck cancers (certain cases)
- Bladder, esophageal, cervical, and endometrial cancers (certain cases)
- Pancreatic and some lung cancers when using the protein-bound form (Abraxane)
Your exact treatment plan, schedule, and the drugs used with paclitaxel depend on your cancer type and health history.
Mechanism of Action
Paclitaxel is a taxane. It targets the cell skeleton (microtubules) that cells need to divide. It locks these structures in place so the cancer cells cannot split and grow. Over time, the cancer cells die. Paclitaxel can also affect healthy fast-growing cells, which is why side effects happen.
Common Side Effects
Not everyone has the same side effects. Some are mild and short-term. Others can build up with more doses. Tell your care team about symptoms that bother you or do not go away.
- Low blood counts: low white cells (infection risk), low red cells (tiredness, shortness of breath), low platelets (easy bruising or bleeding)
- Numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy)
- Fatigue or low energy
- Nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite
- Mouth sores or sore throat
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Hair loss (often significant)
- Muscle or joint aches and pains
- Nail and skin changes (darkening, ridging, tenderness); hand-foot skin soreness
- Swelling in legs or feet
- Changes in liver tests
- Changes in taste or dry mouth
- Eye irritation or watery eyes
- Infusion-related symptoms: flushing, rash, shortness of breath, back pain, or pressure in the chest during the infusion
- Menstrual changes and possible effects on fertility
Many side effects can be managed. Your team may adjust the timing of your infusions or add supportive medicines if needed. Do not start, stop, or change any medicine or supplement without checking with your care team.
MedlinePlus: Paclitaxel Injection
Last reviewed: 2025-10-02
