Product Introduction:
Wintaxel 120mg is a chemotherapy drug belonging to the taxane class. It contains Docetaxel, an anti-cancer agent that interferes with microtubule function, stopping cancer cells from multiplying. It is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion in a clinical setting under medical supervision.
Uses of Wintaxel 120mg Injection:
Wintaxel 120mg is indicated for the treatment of:
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Breast Cancer – Used as a single agent or with other chemotherapy drugs.
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Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) – Given alone or in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy.
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Prostate Cancer – Used with Prednisone to treat hormone-refractory metastatic prostate cancer.
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Gastric (Stomach) Cancer – Administered as part of a combination therapy for advanced gastric cancer.
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Head & Neck Cancer – Used in advanced or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma.
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Ovarian Cancer (Off-label Use) – In some cases of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
Storage Instructions:
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Store at 2°C – 8°C (refrigerated temperature).
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Do not freeze or expose to high temperatures.
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Protect from light and store in its original packaging.
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Shake well before use if required.
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Dispose of unused medication as per hospital guidelines.
How Wintaxel 120mg Works (Mechanism of Action):
Docetaxel is a microtubule stabilizer that:
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Inhibits cell division – Binds to tubulin and stabilizes microtubules, preventing cancer cells from dividing.
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Induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) – Triggers cancer cell self-destruction.
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Prevents angiogenesis – Reduces blood supply to tumors, slowing their growth.
Side Effects:
Common Side Effects:
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Fatigue
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Nausea and vomiting
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Hair loss (alopecia)
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Low blood counts (neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia)
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Loss of appetite
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Peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling)
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Skin rash, nail discoloration
Severe Side Effects (Rare but Serious):
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Severe allergic reactions – Swelling, breathing difficulty, rash
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Febrile neutropenia – Increased infection risk due to low white blood cells
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Liver toxicity – Jaundice, elevated liver enzymes
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Fluid retention syndrome – Swelling in limbs, lung congestion
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Severe neuropathy – Permanent nerve damage
Seek immediate medical help if severe side effects occur.
Dosage (Typical Recommended Dose):
Standard Chemotherapy Dosage (Varies by Cancer Type):
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Breast Cancer / Lung Cancer / Stomach Cancer / Head & Neck Cancer:
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75–100 mg/m² IV infusion every 3 weeks, often with pre-medications.
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Prostate Cancer:
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75 mg/m² IV infusion every 3 weeks + Prednisone.
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Reduced Dosages for High-Risk Patients:
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60 mg/m² IV infusion for elderly or weak patients.
Dosage is based on body surface area (BSA), lab tests, and patient response.
Method of Administration:
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Administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion over 1 hour.
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Given in a hospital or clinic under oncologist supervision.
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Pre-medication with corticosteroids (e.g., Dexamethasone) is required to reduce allergic reactions and fluid retention.
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Blood tests and hydration are necessary before each chemotherapy cycle.
Precautions:
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Pre-medication (corticosteroids) reduces fluid retention and hypersensitivity reactions.
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Frequent blood tests are required to monitor white blood cell count and liver function.
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Avoid live vaccines while undergoing chemotherapy.
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Use contraception during and 6 months after treatment (for both men and women).
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Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
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Patients with liver disease require dose adjustments and close monitoring.
Drug Interactions:
Wintaxel 120mg may interact with:
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CYP3A4 inhibitors (Ketoconazole, Ritonavir, Clarithromycin) – Increases toxicity.
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CYP3A4 inducers (Rifampin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin) – Reduces drug effectiveness.
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Blood Thinners (Warfarin, Aspirin) – Increases bleeding risk.
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Other Chemotherapy Drugs (Cisplatin, Doxorubicin, Capecitabine) – Requires dose adjustments.
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Live Vaccines – Higher risk of severe infections due to weakened immunity.
Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Allergies (Warnings for Allergic Reactions):
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Do not use if allergic to Docetaxel or its excipients.
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Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness.
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Pre-medication with corticosteroids is required to prevent severe reactions.
Overdose Information:
Symptoms of Overdose:
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Severe neutropenia (low white blood cells)
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Severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
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Organ failure (kidney/liver damage)
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Breathing difficulty or severe allergic reaction
What to do in case of overdose?
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Seek immediate medical attention.
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Supportive care includes IV fluids, blood transfusion, and symptom management.
Missed Dose Instructions:
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If a dose is missed, the doctor will reschedule the next infusion.
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Do not self-administer or double the dose.
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Maintain regular follow-ups to avoid treatment delays.
Additional Notes:
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Stay hydrated to prevent kidney damage.
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Follow a neutropenic diet to minimize infection risk.
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Regular liver function tests are necessary.
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Hair loss is temporary and usually resolves after treatment.