Ixabepilone (Ixempra): Cost, Side Effects, and More
If you’ve been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and other chemotherapy medications have stopped working, your doctor may prescribe ixabepilone.
See ixabepilone prescribing information.
How ixabepilone works
Epothilones interfere with the ability of cancer cells to divide, causing the cells to die. This slows the growth and spread of tumors.
What to expect during ixabepilone treatment
Ixabepilone is given by intravenous (IV) infusion, which means it is delivered directly into your bloodstream through an IV or a port. Infusions last about three hours, and you’ll get them every three weeks — or every week for three weeks, followed by a one-week break.
Ixabepilone can be given alone or in combination with Xeloda.
Ixabepilone side effects
Like most breast cancer medicines, ixabepilone can cause side effects.
The most common side effects of ixabepilone are:
Real patient reviews
Members of our community discuss their experiences with ixabepilone in the community forum. Here are some of their comments. Remember, it's essential to talk to your doctor about any side effects you're having and ask about ways to manage them.
“I didn't have side effects during the first cycle. But this second cycle is getting to me. I still have my hair. But I'd gladly trade it for less nausea and abdominal pain.” — rdrake0
“Well, I’ve been through 2 infusions of Ixempra (once every 3 weeks) and all in all, I am doing pretty well. RELIEF!!!! :)! Tomorrow will be 5 weeks since I began, and my skin is looking much better … slowly, but it does look better! I will have a scan at the end of the month to see how my liver is. I have lots of energy and feel soooo much better than I did 5 weeks ago. I didn't have the little shooting pains after the 2nd infusion … just a little loss of energy. I just made up my mind to take it really easy for the first week or so. Soooooo, for me, Ixempra has been an Ok drug. I was so scared to start it, but as of now, I am glad I did.” — Bmarie
“Today I had Ixempra infusion #4. I'm on full dose once every 3 weeks. I do have a lot of bone pain. The only thing that helped is fentanyl patches (50mg). I’m nauseous quite regularly, the only thing that helps is Zofran dissolvable tablets. For heartburn, I take 40mg Protonix. Before I was on Ixempra I had ascites 6 liters a week drained … it went away almost immediately!” — Dayzeroze
Read more in our ixabepilone discussion forum.
Paying for ixabepilone
The cost of ixabepilone may vary. The price you’ll pay depends on the drug manufacturer, your health insurance provider and plan, where you live, and the pharmacy you use.
Note: Your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization before covering ixabepilone.
Learn more about financial assistance and medicine cost-lowering tips.
— Last updated on October 2, 2025 at 7:02 PM
