Find out detailed description, uses, directions of use, side effects, warnings and precautions, frequently asked questions about Docespera 20mg Injection
Docespera 20mg Injection is an anti-cancer medication used for the treatment of breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer and cancers of head and neck.
Docespera 20mg Injection is given as an injection by a qualified medical professional. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
Some of the common side effects of this medicine include breathlessness, constipation, edema (swelling), infection, loss of appetite, muscle pain, nail disorder, pain, and weakness. To reduce these side effects your doctor may suggest some medication along with it. But, inform your doctor if you notice unexplained bruising or bleeding, sore throat, mouth ulcers, high temperature (fever). This medicine may reduce the number of blood cells (decrease red blood and white blood cells) in your blood, thereby, increasing the susceptibility to infections. Regular blood tests are required to check your blood cells and liver function. Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor your blood cells and liver function during treatment with this medicine.
Earlier taking it, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, liver, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your doctor know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Compassionately do not self administer.
Side Effects:
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Ordinary side effects of Docespera
Low blood platelets
Hair loss
Nerve damage
Neuropathy
Numbness of extremity
Taste change
Pantingness
Constipation
Edema (swelling)
Infection
Loss of appetite
Muscle pain
Nail disorder
Pain
Weakness
Warning & Precautions:
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Docespera 20mg Injection.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Docespera 20mg Injection is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
UNSAFE
Docespera 20mg Injection is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.
Driving
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether Docespera 20mg Injection alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Docespera 20mg Injection is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Docespera 20mg Injection is recommended.
Liver
CAUTION
Docespera 20mg Injection should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Docespera 20mg Injection may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
FAQs:
Does Docespera 20mg Injection cause weight gain?
Affirmative, Docespera 20mg Injection may cause weight gain. It may occur due to fluid retention which may initially make your feet swell and then gradually it will spread to the whole body. Call your doctor immediately if you notice swelling of feet.
How long do I have to take Docespera 20mg Injection?
You should continue to take Docespera 20mg Injection as long as your doctor advises you. The duration of treatment varies with the type of cancer you have and other factors like your response to treatment. You should usually receive your infusion once every 3 weeks.
Can I drink alcohol while on Docespera 20mg Injection?
Docespera 20mg Injection injection contains alcohol because of which you may experience confusion, stumbling, becoming very sleepy, or feeling like you are drunk. This may impair your ability to drive or use machinery right after receiving it. Hence, you should avoid alcohol during Docespera 20mg Injection therapy, as it may affect you adversely.
What is Docespera 20mg Injection used for?
Docespera 20mg Injection is commonly used for breast cancer, certain types of lung cancer, prostate, stomach, and head and neck cancers. It works by restricting cells from growing and multiplying.
Is Docespera 20mg Injection available in pill form?
No, Docespera 20mg Injection injection comes as a liquid to be given intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic. It is usually given over 1 hour once every 3 weeks.
What blood tests are required before administration of Docespera 20mg Injection?
Your doctor will ask you to get blood tests every time you have a scheduled dose of Docespera 20mg Injection. You may be asked to have blood tests, such as hemogram and liver function tests, to ensure that you have enough blood cells and that your liver is functioning well enough to receive Docespera 20mg Injection. In case of white blood cells disturbances, you may experience associated fever or infections.
Is hair loss caused by Docespera 20mg Injection irreversible?
Hair loss is a common side effect of Docespera 20mg Injection. Normal hair growth may resume after stopping Docespera 20mg Injection. However, in some cases there is permanent hair loss. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding hair loss.
Why is dexamethasone used with Docespera 20mg Injection?
Docespera 20mg Injection may cause fluid retention (swelling in the hands, feet, ankles and legs) as well as severe hypersensitivity reactions. To control such possibilities from occurring all patients are given corticosteroids (dexamethasone) for 3 days starting 1 day prior to Docespera 20mg Injection administration. In case of prostate cancer (metastatic castration-resistant), the recommended regimen is oral dexamethasone given at 12 hours, 3 hours, and 1 hour before the Docespera 20mg Injection infusion.
What type of drug is Docespera 20mg Injection?
Docespera 20mg Injection belongs to the group of anti-cancer medicines called taxoids. It works by stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Written by:
Dr. Lokanish
M.B.B.S.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Sureshbabu Yadav
M.B.B.S., DIP.DIAB, F.R.S.H
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