Anyone being treated with Abraxane after reacting to Taxol?

Leydi

I posted in my "month of chemo" thread about having a severe reaction during my second Taxol infusion. Apparently, trying again with Taxol is out of the question.

Today, instead, I received Abraxane. The infusion went fine but I haven't had a chance to really discuss this change with my oncologist yet. He talked to me after my Taxol reaction but I was not yet thinking clearly. If I remember correctly, he said that the Abraxane will not be dose dense (like my Taxol) but rather every 3 weeks. Does that sound right? I wondered if I might not need Neulasta but they slapped a pack on me today after treatment. I also read online that Abraxane is often so well tolerated that pre-meds are not needed. However, I got pre-meds today as well.

Just wanted to know the experiences of anyone else out there who may have been switched to Abraxane. What was your experience? SEs? etc.

Thanks.

chinacat

I had to switch to abraxane due to a reaction to an ingredient in taxol called cremophore. heres my understanding: paclitaxel is not water soluable so the cremophore is used to dissolve the paclitaxel. A lot of people who have reactions to taxol are having a reaction to the cremophore. Abraxane is paclitaxel without the cremophore. They use protein from blood instead of the cremophore whichbinds to the paclitaxel. I didn't need steroids or Benadryl with abraxane making the infusion time much shorter. Needless to say, I had less SE's from Abraxane. Hope this helps:)

Leydi

Thank you Chinacat. I missed seeing your response before today. Just had my second Abraxane treatment. Had one day last cycle on day4 with body aches/pains. That was my only new SE. Numb tingling toes started with Taxol and continues with Abraxane. Manageable so far. Appetite is back with a vengeance. Husband almost cheered when I stepped on scale and was up a couple pounds. Still getting premeds and Neulasta.

mlc96

In 2012 I had 3 infusions of Taxol and developed a severe rash, Aftwas switched to Abraxane but the rash still continued. The rash cleared up a few weeks after I finished Abraxane.

duckyb1

Have someone beginning Abraxine.....she however has liver cancer......is considering refusing chemo........this is a new cancer, and she already had 2 breast cancers.........can anyone share their experience with Abraxane......so I can help her....thanks

illimae

I had severe reactions to taxotere and taxol, so we switched to Abraxane. So far, I've had no issues aside from the minor bone/joint pain on day 5 after the infusion in my case. I do still have the premed though, after the previous reactions, my MO didn't want to take any chances.

michela802

i had a reaction to taxol #2 yesterday. I am going to be switched to abraxane likely next week.

My MO didn't give me all the details and if she did i was out of pumped on benadryl and recovering from the trauma too.

Is abraxane given weekly? How long/weeks?

I was told that the iv was a 1/2hr. Not sure about premeds or neulasta yet either.

Since i lost this week my MO did say that pushes the treatment out a week but not clear on the cadence of treatment.

How are the SE's on abraxane? I was told by the nurse that icing of hands & feet are still needed.

With taxol #1 i had lots of bone pain from days 2-6.

Thanks for your help!

illimae

Michela802,

I have Abraxane weekly and have the premeds given slowly, since the steroid can make me feel odd, then the Abraxane itself is a 1/2 hour. The SE's are similar to taxol but of course everyone has a different experience. Hair loss, taste buds, neuropathy in the hands and lifting fingernails have been really annoying but tolerable.

michela802

did you have a reaction to the taxol

illimae

Yes, 1st was taxotere, BP dropped to 60/61 w/abdominal and back pain, heat, flushing and severe shaking. Two weeks later I tried taxol, BP jumped to 176/112 w/intense back pain, puking, heat and flushing. Abraxane was such a relief and has been working very well.

TWG

I had a reaction to Taxol # 5, so will be switched to Abraxane next infusion.

illimae

TWG, are you still going to have premeds on Abraxane?

Kimberbir

I was having reactions to taxol as well, I was just switched to abraxane this past thursday sure hope it gets easier!! I did not get any pre-meds. The infusion time is shorter which is nice. So far know new SE.

Walkingintheclouds

I do. I had bad allergy reaction to taxetera after two rounds of TC infusion: hives head to toe. My doctor replaced Taxetero with Abraxane for then 3rd infusion which I had 10 days ago. The new cocktail worked well on meso far. Less foggy brain, no bad allergy