Allergic reaction to Placataxel

  • 4 replies
  • 493 subscribers
  • 188 views

My chemo treatment should be PC every 3 weeks with weekly Carbo in between for a total of 12 weeks. After that it will be EC every 2 weeks for 4 sessions.

I received my first 2 weeks worth of chemo with little issues. My 3rd week was delayed due to low white blood cells. The 4th week bloods were ok to continue, but upon starting the taxol, I had an allergic reaction about 20-25 mins in. My skin went very red and was quite hot. A little bit of short breath for a time but that didn’t last long. The infusion was stopped immediately & they gave me more steroids and anti hist. They ended up doing it twice‘cus I wasn’t calming down quick enough.

After this, they didn’t restart the taxol but commenced with the carbo.

My concern now is what happens next, I’m allergic to the one I have every week? Has this happened to you & if so what was the outcome? Thanks

  • Hi Wilba

    Welcome to the forum, I'm Daisy53 one of the Community Champions on this forum.  I'm sorry to hear that you had some issues with your chemo.  I suggest that you ring your oncologist or the chemo ward that you were treated on and see if they can tell you next steps.  They will either reduce the dosage of the Taxol or stop it altogether.

    Best wishes

    Daisy53

    Community Champion Badge

  • I understand allergic reactions to Paclitaxel are often to the suspension rather than the drug itself. There is an alternative drug called NAB-Paclitaxel - non-albumin bound Paclitaxel, which is the same active ingredient in a different suspension, and which causes fewer reactions; your team may suggest switching to this. 

  • Thank you for your reply

  • Thank you for replying. I’ve just got back from my next session. They gave me the extra meds first and then started to administer it a a slower pace. After 1/2 they sped it up to the normal speed. All was ok (thank God). Hopefully no more issues Pray tone1