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Quick facts
- How it is given
- intravenous
- Type
- human prescription drug
- RxNorm ID
- 1093280
We do not publish dosing. How much of this medicine to take, how often, and for how long depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other conditions and other medicines. That is a decision for the person who prescribes or dispenses it. Follow the directions on your own pack and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
What it is used to treat
1. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Docetaxel Injection is a microtubule inhibitor indicated for: • Breast Cancer (BC): single agent for locally advanced or metastatic BC after chemotherapy failure; and with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide as adjuvant treatment of operable node-positive BC ( 1.1 ) • Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): single agent for locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC after platinum therapy failure; and with cisplatin for unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic untreated NSCLC ( 1.2 ) • Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC): with prednisone in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer ( 1.3 ) • Gastric Adenocarcinoma (GC): with cisplatin and fluorouracil for untreated, advanced GC, including the gastroesophageal junction ( 1.4 ) • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN): with cisplatin and fluorouracil for induction treatment of locally advanced SCCHN ( 1.5 ) 1.1 Breast Cancer Docetaxel Injection is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior chemotherapy. Docetaxel Injection in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with operable node-positive breast cancer. 1.2 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Docetaxel Injection as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer after failure of prior platinum-based chemotherapy. Docetaxel Injection in combination with cisplatin is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who have not previously received chemotherapy for this condition. 1.3 Prostate Cancer Docetaxel Injection in combination with prednisone is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. 1.4 Gastric Adenocarcinoma Docetaxel Injection in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, including adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, who have not received prior chemotherapy for advanced disease. […]
About this medicine
11. DESCRIPTION Docetaxel is an antineoplastic agent belonging to the taxoid family. It is prepared by semisynthesis beginning with a precursor extracted from the renewable needle biomass of yew plants. The chemical name for docetaxel is (2R,3S)-N-carboxy-3-phenylisoserine, N- tert -butyl ester, 13-ester with 5β-20-epoxy-1,2α,4,7β,10β,13α-hexahydroxytax-11-en-9-one 4-acetate 2-benzoate. Docetaxel has the following structural formula: Docetaxel is a white to almost-white powder with an empirical formula of C 43 H 53 NO 14 , and a molecular weight of 807.88. It is highly lipophilic and practically insoluble in water. Docetaxel Injection is a clear, colorless to pale yellow solution. Docetaxel Injection is sterile, non-pyrogenic, and is available in multiple-dose vials, supplied as 20 mg/2 mL, 80 mg/8 mL and 160 mg/16 mL. Each mL of Docetaxel Injection contains 10 mg docetaxel, 275.9 mg alcohol 96% (v/v), 4 mg citric acid, 648 mg polyethylene glycol 300, and 80 mg polysorbate 80. chemical-structure
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Docetaxel is an antineoplastic agent that acts by disrupting the microtubular network in cells that is essential for mitotic and interphase cellular functions. Docetaxel binds to free tubulin and promotes the assembly of tubulin into stable microtubules while simultaneously inhibiting their disassembly. This leads to the production of microtubule bundles without normal function and to the stabilization of microtubules, which results in the inhibition of mitosis in cells. Docetaxel's binding to microtubules does not alter the number of protofilaments in the bound microtubules, a feature which differs from most spindle poisons currently in clinical use.
Who should not take it
4. CONTRAINDICATIONS Docetaxel Injection is contraindicated in patients with: • neutrophil counts of <1500 cells/mm 3 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ]. • a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions to docetaxel or to other drugs formulated with polysorbate 80. Severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ]. • Hypersensitivity to docetaxel or polysorbate 80 ( 4 ) • Neutrophil counts of < 1500 cells/mm 3 ( 4 )
Warnings and cautions
5. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Second primary malignancies: In patients treated with docetaxel-containing regimens, monitor for delayed AML, MDS, NHL, and renal cancer. ( 5.7 ) • Cutaneous reactions: Reactions including erythema of the extremities with edema followed by desquamation may occur. Severe cutaneous adverse reactions have been reported. Severe skin toxicity may require dose adjustment or permanent treatment discontinuation. ( 5.8 ) • Neurologic reactions: Reactions including paresthesia, dysesthesia, and pain may occur. Severe neurosensory symptoms require dose adjustment or discontinuation if persistent. ( 5.9 ) • Eye disorders: Cystoid macular edema (CME) has been reported and requires treatment discontinuation. ( 5.10 ) • Asthenia: Severe asthenia may occur and may require treatment discontinuation. ( 5.11 ) • Embryo-fetal toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.12 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) • Alcohol content: The alcohol content in a dose of Docetaxel Injection may affect the central nervous system. This may include impairment of a patient’s ability to drive or use machines immediately after infusion. ( 5.13 ) • Tumor lysis syndrome: Tumor lysis syndrome has been reported. Patients at risk should be well hydrated and closely monitored during treatment. ( 5.14 ) 5.1 Toxic Deaths Breast Cancer Docetaxel administered at 100 mg/m 2 was associated with deaths considered possibly or probably related to treatment in 2.0% (19/965) of metastatic breast cancer patients, both previously treated and untreated, with normal baseline liver function and in 11.5% (7/61) of patients with various tumor types who had abnormal baseline liver function (AST and/or ALT >1.5 times ULN together with AP >2.5 times ULN). Among patients dosed at 60 mg/m 2 , mortality related to treatment occurred in 0.6% (3/481) of patients with normal liver function, and in 3 of 7 patients with abnormal liver function. Approximately half of these deaths occurred during the first cycle. Sepsis accounted for the majority of the deaths. […]
Reported side effects
6. ADVERSE REACTIONS The most serious adverse reactions from docetaxel are: • Toxic Deaths [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Hepatic Impairment [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Hematologic Effects [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Enterocolitis and Neutropenic Colitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] • Fluid Retention [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] • Second Primary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] • Cutaneous Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] • Neurologic Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) ] • Eye Disorders [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] • Asthenia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] • Alcohol Content [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] The most common adverse reactions across all docetaxel indications are infections, neutropenia, anemia, febrile neutropenia, hypersensitivity, thrombocytopenia, neuropathy, dysgeusia, dyspnea, constipation, anorexia, nail disorders, fluid retention, asthenia, pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, mucositis, alopecia, skin reactions, and myalgia. Incidence varies depending on the indication. Adverse reactions are described according to indication. Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Responding patients may not experience an improvement in performance status on therapy and may experience worsening. The relationship between changes in performance status, response to therapy, and treatment-related side effects has not been established. Most common adverse reactions across all docetaxel indications are infections, neutropenia, anemia, febrile neutropenia, hypersensitivity, thrombocytopenia, neuropathy, dysgeusia, dyspnea, constipation, anorexia, nail disorders, fluid retention, asthenia, pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, mucositis, alopecia, skin reactions, and myalgia. […]
Interactions with other medicines
7. DRUG INTERACTIONS Docetaxel is a CYP3A4 substrate. In vitro studies have shown that the metabolism of docetaxel may be modified by the concomitant administration of compounds that induce, inhibit, or are metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4. In vivo studies showed that the exposure of docetaxel increased 2.2-fold when it was co-administered with ketoconazole, a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4. Protease inhibitors, particularly ritonavir, may increase the exposure of docetaxel. Concomitant use of Docetaxel Injection and drugs that inhibit CYP3A4 may increase exposure to docetaxel and should be avoided. In patients receiving treatment with Docetaxel Injection, close monitoring for toxicity and a Docetaxel Injection dose reduction could be considered if systemic administration of a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor cannot be avoided [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.7 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. • Cytochrome P450 3A4 inducers, inhibitors, or substrates: May alter docetaxel metabolism. ( 7 )
Use in specific groups
8. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS • Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed. ( 8.2 ) • Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Verify pregnancy status of females prior to initiation of Docetaxel Injection. ( 8.3 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings in animal reproduction studies and its mechanism of action, Docetaxel Injection can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . Available data from case reports in the literature and pharmacovigilance with docetaxel use in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform the drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Docetaxel Injection contains alcohol which can interfere with neurobehavioral development [see Clinical Considerations] . In animal reproductive studies, administration of docetaxel to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis caused an increased incidence of embryo-fetal toxicities, including intrauterine mortality, at doses as low as 0.02 and 0.003 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area, respectively [see Data] . Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, miscarriage, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Docetaxel Injection contains alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] . Published studies have demonstrated that alcohol is associated with fetal harm including central nervous system abnormalities, behavioral disorders, and impaired intellectual development. Data Animal data Intravenous administration of ≥0.3 and 0.03 mg/kg/day docetaxel to pregnant rats and rabbits, respectively, during the period of organogenesis caused an increased incidence of intrauterine mortality, resorptions, reduced fetal weights, and fetal ossification delays. […]
If too much is taken
10. OVERDOSAGE There is no known antidote for Docetaxel Injection overdosage. In case of overdosage, the patient should be kept in a specialized unit where vital functions can be closely monitored. Anticipated complications of overdosage include: bone marrow suppression, peripheral neurotoxicity, and mucositis. Patients should receive therapeutic G-CSF as soon as possible after discovery of overdose. Other appropriate symptomatic measures should be taken, as needed. In two reports of overdose, one patient received 150 mg/m 2 and the other received 200 mg/m 2 as 1-hour infusions. Both patients experienced severe neutropenia, mild asthenia, cutaneous reactions, and mild paresthesia, and recovered without incident. In mice, lethality was observed following single intravenous doses that were ≥154 mg/kg (about 4.5 times the human dose of 100 mg/m 2 on a mg/m 2 basis); neurotoxicity associated with paralysis, non-extension of hind limbs, and myelin degeneration was observed in mice at 48 mg/kg (about 1.5 times the human dose of 100 mg/m 2 basis). In male and female rats, lethality was observed at a dose of 20 mg/kg (comparable to the human dose of 100 mg/m 2 on a mg/m 2 basis) and was associated with abnormal mitosis and necrosis of multiple organs.
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This page is built from the openFDA record of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved labelling for this product, effective 21 November 2023. Label text has been shortened and reformatted for readability; safety wording has not been altered in meaning. FDA labelling describes products approved in the United States — brand names, strengths, formulations and approved uses may differ in your country. Always read the leaflet that comes with your own pack. PocketsInfo is not affiliated with, and is not endorsed by, the FDA. Retrieved 2026-07-30.