Hi I am currently undergoing chemotherapy and my drugs regime changes over to 2 weekly paclitaxel in just over 2 weeks.
I have read the infusion times vary and would like to ask what the timing is usually estimated at. I've heard it can range between 3 -5 hours? Does this include pre medication time?
Thank you in advance.
FE1. X
Hi FE1
Thanks for getting in touch. Welcome to the online community.
My name is Paula and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I can see you have joined the breast cancer forum. I hope you’re finding it helpful sharing your experiences with others. We also have a chemotherapy group you may want to join.
It’s natural to have questions about your cancer treatment when you’ve heard different information from others.
Paclitaxel is given intravenously and can be given on its own or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. Infusion times vary and it can take roughly between 3-5 hours. This will include the pre-meds given before the Paclitaxel. As this helps to manage the side-effects of treatment.
However, each unit will have they their own protocols in place on how it should be administered and how long the infusion will last.
It would be worth discussing your concerns with your chemotherapy nurses, as they are in an ideal position to give more detailed information on this which will be tailored to you.
I hope this information has been helpful, but if you need further support please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.
