Paclitaxel protein-bound is used to treat advanced cancer of the breast, lung, or pancreas. This medicine is used when the cancer cannot be treated with surgery or after other treatments have failed.

Paclitaxel protein-bound is sometimes given with other cancer medicines.

Paclitaxel protein-bound may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not be treated with this medicine if you are allergic to paclitaxel, or if you have:

• a low white blood cell count; or
• severe liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or
• an allergic reaction to medicines like paclitaxel protein-bound (such as cabazitaxel or docetaxel).

Paclitaxel protein-bound can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

• If you are a woman, do not use paclitaxel protein-bound if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using paclitaxel protein-bound.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because paclitaxel protein-bound can harm an unborn baby.

Do not breastfeed while you are receiving this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

Paclitaxel protein-bound is made from donated human plasma and may contain viruses or other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of contamination, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Ask your doctor about any possible risk.

Use Paclitaxel Protein-Bound (Abraxane) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in your hands or feet;
• sudden chest pain or discomfort, rapid heart rate;
• dry cough, shortness of breath, rapid and shallow breathing;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;
• low white blood cell counts--fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing;
• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet;
• dehydration symptoms--headache, muscle pain, thirst, dry mouth, hot and dry skin, vomiting, diarrhea, dark urine, being unable to urinate; or
• a blood infection (sepsis)--fever, flu symptoms, mouth and throat ulcers, rapid heart rate, shallow breathing.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects may include:

• fever, chills, or other signs of infection;
• bruising, bleeding, anemia;
• numbness, tingling, or swelling in your hands or feet;
• hair loss, rash;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite;
• irregular heartbeats;
• feeling tired;
• muscle and joint pain;
• abnormal liver function tests; or
• dehydration.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Paclitaxel protein-bound can be harmful if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If skin contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water or rinse the eyes thoroughly with plain water.