Docetaxel Accord
docetaxel
Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, hospital pharmacist or nurse.
If you get any side effects talk to your doctor, hospital pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
What Docetaxel Accord is and what it is used for
What you need to know before you use Docetaxel Accord
How to use Docetaxel Accord
Possible side effects
How to store Docetaxel Accord
Contents of the pack and other information
The name of this medicine is Docetaxel Accord. Its common name is docetaxel. Docetaxel is a substance derived from the needles of yew trees.
Docetaxel belongs to the group of anti-cancer medicines called taxoids.
Docetaxel Accord has been prescribed by your doctor for the treatment of breast cancer, special forms of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer), prostate cancer, gastric cancer or head and neck cancer:
For the treatment of advanced breast cancer, docetaxel could be administered either alone or in combination with doxorubicin, or trastuzumab, or capecitabine.
For the treatment of early breast cancer with or without lymph node involvement, docetaxel could be administered in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide.
For the treatment of lung cancer, docetaxel could be administered either alone or in combination with cisplatin.
For the treatment of prostate cancer, docetaxel is administered in combination with prednisone or prednisolone.
For the treatment of metastatic gastric cancer, docetaxel is administered in combination with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil.
For the treatment of head and neck cancer, docetaxel is administered in combination with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil.
if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to docetaxel or any of the other ingredients of Docetaxel Accord (listed in section 6).
if the number of white blood cells is too low.
if you have a severe liver disease.
Before each treatment with Docetaxel Accord, you will have blood tests to check that you have enough blood cells and sufficient liver function to receive Docetaxel Accord. In case of white blood cells disturbances, you may experience associated fever or infections.
Tell your doctor, hospital pharmacist, or nurse immediately if you have abdominal pain or tenderness, diarrhoea, rectal haemorrhage, blood in stool or fever. These symptoms may be the first signs of a serious gastrointestinal toxicity, which could be fatal. Your doctor should address them immediately.
Tell your doctor, hospital pharmacist or nurse if you have vision problems. In case of vision problems, in particular blurred vision, you should immediately have your eyes and vision examined.
Tell your doctor, hospital pharmacist or nurse if you have experienced an allergic reaction to previous paclitaxel therapy.
Tell your doctor, hospital pharmacist or nurse if you have heart problems.
If you develop acute or worsening problems with your lungs (fever, shortness of breath or cough), please tell your doctor, hospital pharmacist or nurse immediately. Your doctor may stop your treatment immediately.
You will be asked to take premedication consisting of an oral corticosteroid such as dexamethasone, one day prior to Docetaxel Accord administration and to continue for one or two days after it in order to minimise certain undesirable effects which may occur after the infusion of Docetaxel Accord in particular allergic reactions and fluid retention (swelling of the hands, feet, legs or weight gain).
During treatment, you may be given other medicines to maintain the number of your blood cells. Severe skin problems such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN),
Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported with Docetaxel:
SJS/TEN symptoms may include blistering, peeling or bleeding on any part of your skin (including your lips, eyes, mouth, nose, genitals, hands or feet) with or without a rash. You may also have flu-like symptoms at the same time, such as fever, chills or aching muscles.
AGEP symptoms may include a red, scaly widespread rash with bumps under the swollen skin (including your skin folds, trunk, and upper extremities) and blisters accompanied by fever.
If you develop severe skin reactions or any of the reactions listed above, immediately contact your doctor or healthcare professional.
Tell your doctor, hospital pharmacist or nurse if you have kidney problems or high levels of uric acid in your blood before intiating Docetaxel Accord.
Docetaxel Accord contains alcohol. Discuss with your doctor if you suffer from alcohol dependency, epilepsy or liver impairment. See also section “Docetaxel Accord contains ethanol (alcohol)” below.
Please tell your doctor or hospital pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicine, including medicines obtained without a prescription. This is because Docetaxel Accord or the other medicine may not work as well as expected and you may be more likely to get a side effect. The amount of alcohol in this medicinal product may alter the effects of other medicines.
Ask your doctor for advice before being given any medicine.
Docetaxel Accord must NOT be administered if you are pregnant unless clearly indicated by your doctor.
You must not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine and must use an effective method of contraception during therapy, because docetaxel may be harmful for the unborn baby. If pregnancy occurs during your treatment, you must immediately inform your doctor.
You must not breast-feed while you are treated with docetaxel.
If you are a man being treated with Docetaxel Accord you are advised not to father a child during and up to 6 months after treatment and to seek advice on conservation of sperm prior to treatment because docetaxel may alter male fertility.
The amount of alcohol in this medicinal product may impair your ability to drive or use machines. You may experience side effects of this medicine that may impair your ability to drive, use tools or operate machines (see section 4 Possible side effects). If this happens, do not drive or use any tools or machines before discussing with your doctor, nurse or hospital pharmacist.
Docetaxel Accord 20 mg/1 ml contains
50 vol % ethanol anhydrous (alcohol), i.e. up to 395 mg ethanol anhydrous per vial, equivalent to 10 ml of beer or 4 ml wine.
Docetaxel Accord 80 mg/4 ml contains
50 vol % ethanol anhydrous (alcohol), i.e. up to 1.58 g ethanol anhydrous per vial, equivalent to 40 ml of beer or 17 ml wine.
Docetaxel Accord 160 mg/8 ml contains
50 vol % ethanol anhydrous (alcohol), i.e. up to 3.16 g ethanol anhydrous per vial, equivalent to 80 ml of beer or 33 ml wine.
Harmful for those suffering from alcoholism.
To be taken into account in pregnant or breast-feeding, in children and high-risk groups such as patients with liver disease, or epilepsy.
The amount of alcohol in this medicine may have effects on the central nervous system (the part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord).
Docetaxel Accord will be administered to you by a healthcare professional.
The dose will depend on your weight and your general condition. Your doctor will calculate your body surface area in square meters (m²) and will determine the dose you should receive.
Docetaxel Accord will be given by infusion into one of your veins (intravenous use). The infusion will last approximately one hour during which you will be in the hospital.
You should usually receive your infusion once every 3 weeks.
Your doctor may change the dose and frequency of dosing depending on your blood tests, your general condition and your response to Docetaxel Accord. In particular, please inform your doctor in case of diarrhoea, sores in the mouth, feeling of numbness or pins and needles, fever and give any results of your blood tests to your doctor. Such information will allow your doctor to decide whether a dose reduction is needed. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, or hospital pharmacist.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Your doctor will discuss these with you and will explain the potential risks and benefits of your
treatment.
The most commonly reported adverse reactions of docetaxel alone are: decrease in the number of red blood cells or white blood cells, alopecia, nausea, vomiting, sores in the mouth, diarrhoea and tiredness.
The severity of adverse events of docetaxel may be increased when docetaxel is given in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.
During the infusion at the hospital the following allergic reactions may occur (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):
flushing, skin reactions, itching
chest tightness; difficulty in breathing
fever or chills
back pain
low blood pressure.
More severe reactions may occur.
If you had an allergic reaction to paclitaxel, you may also experience an allergic reaction to docetaxel, which may be more severe.
The hospital staff will monitor your condition closely during treatment. Tell them immediately if you notice any of these effects.
Between infusions of docetaxel the following may occur, and the frequency may vary with the combinations of medicines that are received
infections, decrease in the number of red (anaemia), or white blood cells (which are important in fighting infection) and platelets
fever: if this happens you must tell your doctor immediately
allergic reactions as described above
loss of appetite (anorexia)
insomnia
feeling of numbness or pins and needles or pain in the joints or muscles
headache
alteration in sense of taste
inflammation of the eye or increased tearing of the eyes
swelling caused by faulty lymphatic drainage
shortness of breath
nasal drainage; inflammation of the throat and nose; cough
bleeding from the nose
sores in the mouth
stomach upsets including nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, constipation
abdominal pain
indigestion
hair loss: in most cases normal hair growth should return. In some cases (frequency not known) permanent hair loss has been observed
redness and swelling of the palms of your hands or soles of your feet which may cause your skin to peel (this may also occur on the arms, face, or body)
change in the colour of your nails, which may detach
muscle aches and pains; back pain or bone pain
change or absence of menstrual period
swelling of the hands, feet, legs
tiredness; or flu-like symptoms
weight gain or loss
infection of the upper respiratory tract.
oral candidiasis
dehydration
dizziness
hearing impaired
decrease in blood pressure; irregular or rapid heart beat
heart failure
oesophagitis
dry mouth
difficulty or painful swallowing
haemorrhage
raised liver enzymes (hence the need for regular blood tests)
rises in blood sugar levels (diabetes)
decrease of the potassium, calcium and/or phosphate in your blood.
fainting
at the injection site, skin reactions, phlebitis (inflammation of the vein) or swelling
blood clots.
acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (types of blood cancer) may occur in patients who are treated with docetaxel together with certain other anticancer treatments.
inflammation of the colon, small intestine, which could be fatal (frequency not known); intestinal perforation.
interstitial lung disease (inflammation of the lungs causing coughing and difficulty breathing.
Inflammation of the lungs can also develop when docetaxel therapy is used with radiotherapy)
pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
pulmonary fibrosis (scarring and thickening in the lungs with shortness of breath).
blurred vision due to swelling of the retina within the eye (cystoid macular oedema)
decrease of the sodium and/or magnesium, in your blood (electrolyte balance disorders).
ventricular arrhythmia or ventricular tachycardia (manifested as irregular and/or rapid heartbeat, severe shortness of breath, dizziness, and/or fainting). Some of these symptoms can be serious. If this happens, you must tell your doctor immediately
injection site reactions at the site of a previous reaction.
non-Hodgkin lymphoma (a cancer affecting the immune system) and other cancers may occur in patients who are treated with docetaxel together with certain other anticancer treatments.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) (blistering, peeling or bleeding on any part of your skin (including your lips, eyes, mouth, nose, genitals, hands or feet) with or without a rash. You may also have flu-like symptoms at the same time, such as fever, chills or aching muscles.)
Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP) (red, scaly widespread rash with bumps under the swollen skin (including your skin folds, trunk, and upper extremities) and blisters accompanied by fever.)
Tumour lysis syndrome is a serious condition revealed by changes in blood test such as increased level of uric acid, potassium, phosphorus and decreased level of calcium; and results in symptoms such as seizures, kidney failure (reduced amount or darkening of urine) and heart rhythm disturbance. If this happens, you must tell your doctor immediately.
Myositis (inflammation of the muscles -hot, red and swollen- which produces muscle pain and weakness)
If you get any side effects talk to your doctor, hospital pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the outer carton and on the label of the vial after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package in order to protect from light.
Use the vial immediately after its opening. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions are the responsibility of the user.
From a microbiological point of view, dilution must take place in controlled and aseptic conditions. Use the medicine immediately after it is added into the infusion bag. If not used immediately, in-use
storage times and conditions are the responsibility of the user and would normally not be longer than
6 hours below 25°C including the one hour infusion.
Physical and chemical in-use stability of the infusion solution prepared as recommended has been demonstrated in non-PVC bags up to 48 hours when stored between 2°C to 8°C.
Prepare the infusion solution as recommended. Do not couple the infusion solution to the infusion set for more than 6 hours when stored at 25°C.
Docetaxel infusion solution is supersaturated, therefore may crystallise over time. If crystals appear, the solution must no longer be used and shall be discarded.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
The active substance is docetaxel. Each ml of concentrate for solution for infusion contains 20 mg docetaxel.
One vial of 1 ml of concentrate contains 20 mg of docetaxel. One vial of 4 ml of concentrate contains 80 mg of docetaxel. One vial of 8 ml of concentrate contains 160 mg of docetaxel.
The other ingredients are polysorbate 80, ethanol anhydrous (see section 2) and citric acid anhydrous.
Docetaxel Accord concentrate for solution for infusion is a clear pale yellow to brownish-yellow solution.
Docetaxel Accord 20 mg/1 ml is supplied in a 5 ml clear glass vial with fluorotec plus rubber stopper and aluminium seal and an orange flip-off cap.
Docetaxel Accord 80 mg/4 ml is supplied in a 5 ml clear glass vial with fluorotec plus rubber stopper and aluminium seal and a red flip-off cap.
Docetaxel Accord 160 mg/8 ml is supplied in a 10 ml clear glass vial with fluorotec plus rubber stopper and aluminium seal and a red flip-off cap.
Pack size:
Each box contains one vial of 1 ml concentrate. Each box contains one vial of 4 ml concentrate. Each box contains one vial of 8 ml concentrate.
Accord Healthcare S.L.U.
World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona, s/n, Edifici Est 6ª planta,
08039 Barcelona, Spain
Accord Healthcare Polska Sp.z o.o.,
ul. Lutomierska 50,95-200 Pabianice, Poland
The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only:
It is important that you read the entire contents of this guide prior to the preparation of the Docetaxel Accord infusion solution.
Recommendations for the safe handling
Docetaxel is an antineoplastic agent and, as with other potentially toxic compounds, caution should be exercised when handling it and preparing its solutions. The use of gloves is recommended.
If Docetaxel Accord concentrate or infusion solution should come into contact with skin, wash immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. If it should come into contact with mucous membranes, wash immediately and thoroughly with water.
Preparation of the intravenous administration
Preparation of the infusion solution
DO NOT use other docetaxel medicines consisting of 2 vials (concentrate and solvent) with this medicine (Docetaxel Accord 20 mg/1 ml concentrate for solution for infusion, which contains only 1 vial).
DO NOT use other docetaxel medicines consisting of 2 vials (concentrate and solvent) with this medicine (Docetaxel Accord 80 mg/4 ml concentrate for solution for infusion, which contains only 1 vial).
DO NOT use other docetaxel medicines consisting of 2 vials (concentrate and solvent) with this medicine (Docetaxel Accord 160 mg/8 ml concentrate for solution for infusion, which contains only 1 vial).
Each vial is for single use and should be used immediately after opening. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions are the responsibility of the user. More than one vial of concentrate for solution for infusion may be necessary to obtain the required dose for the patient. For example, a dose of 140 mg docetaxel would require 7 ml docetaxel concentrate for solution.
Aseptically withdraw the required amount of concentrate for solution for infusion with a calibrated syringe fitted with a 21G needle.
Then, inject via a single injection (one shot) into a 250 ml infusion bag containing either
5% glucose solution or sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for infusion. If a dose greater than 190 mg of docetaxel is required, use a larger volume of the infusion vehicle so that a concentration of 0.74 mg/ml docetaxel is not exceeded.
Mix the infusion bag manually using a rocking motion.
From a microbiological point of view, dilution must take place in controlled and aseptic conditions and the infusion solution should be used immediately. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions are the responsibility of the user.
Once added as recommended into the infusion bag, the docetaxel infusion solution, if stored below 25°C, is stable for 6 hours. It should be used within 6 hours (including the one hour infusion intravenous administration).
In addition, physical and chemical in-use stability of the infusion solution prepared as recommended has been demonstrated in non-PVC bags up to 48 hours when stored between 2°C to
8°C.
docetaxel infusion solution is supersaturated, therefore may crystallise over time. If crystals appear, the solution must no longer be used and shall be discarded.
As with all parenteral products, infusion solution should be visually inspected prior to use, solutions containing a precipitate should be discarded.
Disposal
All materials that have been utilised for dilution and administration should be disposed of according to standard procedures. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.