Paclitaxel: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Paclitaxel is a taxane chemotherapy medicine. It is a prescription medicine used for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer and other cancers. In Pakistan it is available as injections, made by 5 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Paclitaxel works
Paclitaxel targets microtubules, tiny protein structures that act as a scaffold when a cell divides. It locks this scaffold in place so the cell cannot split into two, and the cancer cell dies. Because healthy fast-dividing cells are also affected, side effects such as hair loss and low blood counts occur.
What is Paclitaxel used for?
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Lung cancer
- Other cancers
Paclitaxel is a chemotherapy medicine given by drip into a vein in hospital. It is used to treat breast cancer, ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, and sometimes other cancers such as Kaposi's sarcoma or cancers of the stomach, head and neck. It is often given in combination with other cancer medicines, according to a plan set by an oncologist.
Side effects of Paclitaxel
Paclitaxel commonly causes side effects, and your cancer team will help you manage them. They include:
- Hair loss
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Low blood counts
- Joint and muscle pain
- Nausea or diarrhoea
- Mouth sores
Tell staff at once about flushing, chest tightness or breathlessness during the infusion. At home, seek urgent help for a fever, signs of infection, severe numbness or breathing difficulty.
Precautions and warnings
- It is given only under the supervision of a cancer specialist, with regular blood tests.
- You will usually be given medicines before each infusion to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
- It can harm an unborn baby; reliable contraception is needed during treatment, and breastfeeding should be avoided.
- Report fever, sore throat or unusual bruising at once, as these can mean low blood counts.
- Tell your team about liver problems, heart problems and all other medicines you take.
Frequently asked questions about Paclitaxel
What is the price of Paclitaxel in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Paclitaxel products currently in stock range from Rs 9,600 to Rs 43,200 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Paclixil 30mg Injection at Rs 9,600. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Paclitaxel are available in Pakistan?
Paclitaxel is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Paclitaxel (Novartis Pharma (Pakistan)ltd), Paclixil (A.J Mirza), Anzatax (Atco Laboratories Ltd), Metaplaxel (CCL Pharmaceuticals Ltd) and Panataxel (Ferozsons Laboratories Limited).Do I need a prescription for Paclitaxel?
Yes. Paclitaxel is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Are all Paclitaxel brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Paclitaxel in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Paclitaxel brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 8 products containing Paclitaxel from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
