Abraxane: What to Expect, Side Effects, and More
Abraxane is a chemotherapy drug used to treat advanced-stage breast cancer. It works by slowing down or stopping the growth of breast cancer cells. It’s often used by itself but is sometimes used with other chemotherapy medicines, or after other post-surgery chemotherapy medicines have stopped working.
Abraxane is available as a generic medicine.
See Abraxane prescribing information.
How Abraxane works
Abraxane (chemical name: albumin-bound or nab-paclitaxel) is a taxane chemotherapy drug. Taxanes are powerful chemotherapy medicines that interfere with the ability of cancer cells to divide, stopping the cells from repairing themselves or making new cells.
The taxanes Taxol and Taxotere use solvents to dissolve paclitaxel, the main ingredient, so the medicine can enter the bloodstream. But these solvents may make Taxol and Taxotere difficult to tolerate.
Instead of a solvent, the paclitaxel in Abraxane is suspended in a protein called albumin. That means it can be easier to tolerate, and you don’t need to take medicine before receiving it.
What to expect during Abraxane breast cancer treatment
Abraxane chemotherapy is given intravenously. A member of your care team will insert a thin, soft tube, also known as an IV, into your vein. This is how they’ll give you the medicine. If you already have a central line in place, that could be used instead.
You’ll get an infusion over 30 minutes, once every three weeks.
Abraxane side effects
Like almost all breast cancer medicines, Abraxane can cause side effects, and some of them are severe.
The most common side effects of Abraxane are:
anemia (low red blood cell count)
swelling (edema)
neuropathy (nerve damage)
muscle or joint pain
irregular periods — this can include temporary cessation (usually resume after medication is completed) or permanent cessation of menstrual periods depending on your age and other factors
There also are some more serious Abraxane side effects, including:
numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in your hands or feet (neuropathy)
severe infection (sepsis)
lung or breathing problems
Real patient reviews
Members of our community discuss their experiences with Abraxane chemotherapy for breast cancer in the community forum. Here are some of their comments. Remember, it's very important to talk to your doctor about any side effects you're having and ask about ways to manage them.
“I lost my hair fairly quickly. The tingling scalp started after the second infusion. We all respond differently though!” —ohmydarlin
“I've been lucky that I don't get sick. Just a little nausea the first couple of days and some fatigue but all together not bad.” —auroaya
“Had my third Abraxane with Zofran premeds. Took two Swiss Criss tablets that morning to combat constipation and everything was totally fine. Hair finally fell out on Day 17 with a vengeance, which was inconvenient as we were on a ski vacation in Colorado in a no-pets condo. I can't help but worry we'll get a call stating housekeeping found evidence of a dog shedding all over...Ha! Nope, just me! Aside from that, my body felt very strong while skiing — some of my best skiing yet — and the thin mountain air only troubled me while schlepping gear and two little kids around town.” —DancingVeggie
Read more in our Abraxane discussion forum.
Paying for Abraxane chemotherapy
The cost of Abraxane may vary. The price you’ll pay depends on your health insurance provider and plan, where you live, and the pharmacy you use. You may also be charged for the office visits required for Abraxane infusions.
Note: Your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization before it will cover Abraxane.
If you have trouble paying for Abraxane, ask your care team about financial assistance programs that may be able to help.
Learn more about financial assistance and medicine cost-lowering tips.
— Last updated on November 30, 2024 at 8:46 PM