Overreaction to Taxotere -- Alternatives?

What about Taxol? It's meant to be less harsh although basically the same drug. I had bad reaction to Taxol and they gave me Taxotere instead which I tolerated.

So it does make a difference. Good luck.

Hi Mountain mia Hello from the UK.

Only just found your post about your reaction to taxotere. I too had a reaction to pertuzumab and taxotere on chemo cycle 1 four weeks ago. Not same reaction as you - i got muscle cramps and low blood pressure, and ended up with a two night hospital stay. I was substituted Abraxane for taxotere and cycle I was fine, what a relief. My infusions were done over two days with Abraxane on day 1, then Herceptin and pertuzumab on day 2. Next cycle the plan is for all three infusions on one day. nearly forgot to say i was also given additional preventative drugs piriton (antihistamine) plus one other (sorry drug name not known) in addition to steroids. After my initial adverse experience i was so worried that i wouldn't tolerate chemo but was assured by senior medic that there is always an alternative plan of action available. I'm sure there will be a regime that will suit you, plain standard protocol is not right for all, trust your oncologist's knowledge. Wishing you a smoother path ahead. How was cycle 2? Alice

I wouldn't try it again, mo should look at other drug options for you. Someone mentioned taxol, perhaps CMF treatment.

Hope you have recovered.

That was me too. Taxotere could not be tried again, as they suspected a possible seizure (turned out not to be), two weeks later we tried taxol and I had all the reactions again. Finally, abraxane was approved, which is a cousin drug but delivered using albumin (human protein), rather than a chemical. I did 5 months without major issues (just flushing, appetite and mild neuropathy). Definitely ask about it.

mountainmia, you’re welcome. Your insurance company may/may not approve it without taxol being tried first, that’s what happened to me. I understand the cost is significantly higher.

Good luck! 😀 May your next infusion be uneventful.

I also had a reaction to taxotere on my second treatment.(First treatment was uneventful). It was very scary...first a pain in my stomach, tightness in my chest, my body felt like it was on fire, and (I was told) I became bright red. Luckily the nurse was walking passed me when this happened so she immediate stopped the IV and began the steroids and Benadryl. So for round 3 and 4 I had abraxane which I did much better on. However, since abraxane is much more costly, it took insurance awhile to approve it.

MountainMia-best of luck and let us know what your MO advises.

I had a reaction to Taxotere on Friday, two days after my second infusion. I was flushed and developed blotches on my arms and legs. The MO looked at the rash and said she has to research other options, but the first choices were 1 more steroids (runs the risk of triggering steroid-induced diabetes--not good) or 2 a new regimen (if changing to another drug, my first two cycles won't count and I'll be starting all over again).

Did anyone else run into this? I don't want diabetes, and I also don't want to have to start chemo all over again! I was scheduled for four cycles and thinking I was halfway through felt good.

flower216 thank you! I will see my MO on Tuesday and discuss it with her. I hope she has a plan.