Allergic Reaction

I haven’t had this issue but I can add reassurance that your reaction is more likely to be to the suspension than to the active chemotherapy agent. NAB-Paclitaxel is a completely different suspension and is commonly given when people have had an issue with Paclitaxel. 

Thank you for your reassuring message. 

I had three adverse reactions to ducataxel. IT was supposed to be Phesgo and carboplatin but becuase of the reactions Ìt could not happen. Each reaction happened at less than 5ml no matter what supportive drugs were tried. It is very scary when it’s you. TBH I thought I had failed at chemotheraphy till the oncologist pointed out there were other options they could try.

lovely oncologist moved me straight to nab paxitaxel as it has a very different carrier base and they think it’s the drugs carrier my body was going hell no to. TBH l would have a conversation with your oncologist about your understandable concerns. 

have had the first one with a steroid antihistamine infusion in place first and did not have an adverse reaction. Lovely nurses and ward sisters were watching me like hawks and did all they could to support me as my anxiety was through the roof by then. TRy to feel able to flag your worries to the team looking after you. I was barely able to but the oncologist made space and time to really listen to what I was trying to say and left me feeling like I was finally being heard and had a little bit of choice.

I too am allergic to Paclitaxel,  it's terrifying isn't it.  I had nightmares for a good while.  For my third cycle they tried giving me all the steroids and antihistamines prior to the Paclitaxel but that didn't work and I still reacted but not as badly. 

I was so anxious prior to the Nab Paclitaxel but it was absolutely fine although I did initially have a hot flushes which panicked me some more.

It is incredibly rare to react to the Nab Paclitaxel so try not to worry, they just don't like to prescribe it as it is very expensive in comparison to the regular Paclitaxel. 

Wishing you well xxx

i am not but i know a few women who were, and had some scary and less scary interactions, all ok, some had to change treatment

Thank you for your message. I will flag up my concerns with the oncologist next week as you suggest. I not sure if they normally give steroids & anthistamine with nab paclitaxol but will ask if I can have them in case. Its very helpful to have other people's experiences as you don't feel so alone. Thank you for taking the time to share.

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. It is very helpful & reassuring to know its not just me! I will hope the nab paclitaxel will be ok next week . 

Best wishes to you too. 

Thank you for your message. Wishing you well. 

I did not have to start a high dose of steroids with nab, l know they gave me a steroid infusion and antihistamines on the ward prior to nab. I did have to take steroids for three days after but at a far lower dose than with ducataxel.  You will still need the hour before anti emetic drug and they will advise you what other drugs to take and when. I now get the pharmacist to tell me exactly which date and time a drug needs to start by as l panic if I have not written it all down.

If you are feeling anxious or worried esp after adverse reactions DO feel able to let your oncologist and the nurses know. IF they are aware they really will try and be more supportive of you. My GP was refusing to prescribe anything to help with my severe anxiety so the oncologist got involved and moved heaven and earth to get me something to help with a mix of previous trauma ( family died out over height of covid plus issues from abusive sister with serious addictions) plus anxiety from being told I had BC.

Hope all goes well when you have nab and that your oncologist is able to offer some reassurance about plans they have in place for you.