Reaction to Chemo Drug

[MAGSwgc]

I suffered an immediate severe reaction to chemo drug Paclitaxel and had to have an antidote administered in order to recover.The other2 drugs were ok(Carboplatin & Bevacizumab).

I was told that some ladies have this reaction but when they take this drug a 2nd time they have no problem.

I decided not to take the chance as I felt so bad.

To those who suffered..how did you get past this hurdle?

[doodoolatrice]

I had a reaction to paclitaxel on my 1st and 3rd infusion. On both occasions the nurses were onto it straight and within mins I was fine. To stop this happening again my Onc put me on desensitising medication which I had to take the day before chemo, day of chemo and the day after chemo and they slowed down the infusion from 1 hour to 2 1/2 hours. I never had a reaction after that but did find it a hit nerve wracking at times. These reactions are common as evidenced by all the people sat round me with red wristbands 😃, Kerry

[JR1MF]

I had a reaction to paclitaxel on my 2nd session. I had the next 4 sessions at half speed which meant 6 hrs just for paclitaxel. I was fine after that and finished the 6 cycles with no issues. I had to take 10 steroids the night before and 10 in the morning which meant I couldn’t sleep much the night before. Stick with it. I had some sessions with the scalp cooling which were over 10 hours. Good luck with it ! I finished last month and feel great now

[27-359]

I had this reaction too, and thought I was going to die. I now have anti histamine through the line, wait for thirty minutes, then have the Taxel. I am always very anxious, but so far I have been fine.Jenny

[Loorunner]

I had this reaction too 1st time (very scary); 2nd time as well though less as the nurse was on hand to stop it and flush through the antihistamines. Then for the rest of the time I had a desensitized dose as described above (took 5 hours) with no problems. It did make chemo days very long (8 /9 hours) but I took plenty to do and had a snooze! Wishing you all the best. Xx

[DinkyAnnecy]

Hi I also had an immediate reaction to Paclitaxel. I had facial flushing and an electrifying feeling through my chest. I was then switched to Abraxane.

[ritabon]

I'm very sorry to hear that but never had a reaction to paclitaxel. I'm so sorry to hear you've been unwell

[delia2]

I had a severe reaction twice but was rechallenged after extra Benadryl and steroids with them making the drip super slow. Alternatively you can get taxotere which has the same chemo in a different base. It’s the thing they mix the taxol with that causes the reaction. Xx

[Lucylockpocket]

How unlucky for you to have an alarming reaction. My team were ready and waiting for a reaction and gave me meds to prepare me(antihistamine and steroids) and gave the infusion very slowly whilst someone observed me. I didn’t suffer any reaction due to this procedure. I hope you can find a good alternative. Don’t lose heart. There’s always alternatives. Good luck!🤞🏻

[Cumbrianlass5]

I had a reaction too the first time, but the nurses were quick to bring me round. They gave me steroids and antihistamines after that and I had no more problems. Stick with it. Take all the chemo you are offered to beat this hellish disease. Best wishes x