Paclitaxel protein-bound is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Paclitaxel protein-bound interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Paclitaxel protein-bound is used in the treatment breast cancer.

Paclitaxel protein-bound may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Paclitaxel protein-bound should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound to monitor progress and side effects.

Skin accidentally exposed to paclitaxel protein-bound should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Your healthcare provider will store paclitaxel protein-bound as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing paclitaxel protein-bound at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

Do not receive "live” vaccines during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound.

Paclitaxel protein-bound can interact with many other medications, including other chemotherapy drugs. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound.

Do not receive "live” vaccines during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound.

Skin accidentally exposed to paclitaxel protein-bound should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

If for any reason an overdose of paclitaxel protein-bound is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms of a paclitaxel protein-bound overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of paclitaxel protein-bound.

Paclitaxel protein-bound should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of paclitaxel protein-bound including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection); numbness or tingling; irregular heartbeats; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound.

Do not take paclitaxel protein-bound without first talking to your doctor if you have

• kidney disease;

• liver disease;

• heart disease; or

• poor bone marrow function.

The use of paclitaxel protein-bound may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Men should not father a child while receiving treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound.

Paclitaxel protein-bound is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that paclitaxel protein-bound is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use paclitaxel protein-bound without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with paclitaxel protein-bound if either you or your partner is of childbearing potential.

It is not known whether paclitaxel protein-bound passes into breast milk. Do not take paclitaxel protein-bound without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

Your healthcare provider may have additional information about paclitaxel protein-bound that you may read.

Paclitaxel protein-bound is available with a prescription under the brand names Abraxane. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.