My oncologist said I am allergic to paclitaxel as had a rash next day after 2nd chemo , how does she know its not carboplatin

[kazrazmataz]

I have recently been diagnosed with stage 3 OC and have had 2 cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel. Has anyone else had this happen? Very scared as do not like thought I could be allergic to other chemo.

[TrishLey]

Hi there. Many people react to the different Chemo's we are given. The rash may be consistent with an allergy to Paclitaxel. I'm sure they will check it out thoroughly for you. Often they just administer it slower rather than stopping it. Sometimes they give a antihistamine before hand. Have a chat with your Onc and the nurses and keep a journal of how you are feeling and whats happening to you between chemos. Its really handy to have for you and them. Wishing you all the best xx Trish

[Nylani]

I was alergic to Taxotere which is another slightly different form of paclitaxel. They should have administered a high steroid dose prior to administration - I had a rash develop during the inserting into the iv so they had to stop for about 30 minutes then continue. However, as you can see, just because you get the rash, doesn't necessarily mean they will discontinue the drug. I was also given steroids for a longer period of time after to keep the allergic reaction down.

[kaz14]

I had a very severe reaction to taxol on second one, wasn't allowed to have it again, continued on carboplatin only and am still in remission coming up to a year, also 3c.

Love Kaz xx

[kazrazmataz in reply to kaz14]

Many thanks Kaz, they have said no more taxol for me too so am going to just have carboplatin so your post has given me hope, all the best to you too xxx

[Hidden]

I am sure they will find a solution to suit you, as the other ladies have said either give it slower they had to do that for me with Gemzar and also reduce the dosage. I also was put on steroids and all was fine afterwards. Wishing you the best

[AnnieMae]

I also reacted to Taxol whilst having treatment and had to stop having it - later also reacted to Carbo but got round that by slowing down the treatment period. Hope you get sorted.

Annette x

[kazrazmataz in reply to AnnieMae]

Many thanks everyone is very helpful on here xxx

[cmarkd01]

Perhaps if it happens again they can switch from Taxol to Abraxane.

[Hidden]

Good question!

I reacted to carboplatin in my second line. I'd been fine with it on its own first line, but second line with taxol was a problem.

It was definitely the carbo as I had it after the taxol and within 10 minutes or so of starting with it I started reacting to it. I also had the rash as you describe ( looked rather blooming with it!).

Maybe the docs know something we don't to differentiate between them? Might be worth asking? Good luck!