Taxotere: What to Expect, Side Effects, and More
Taxotere is a chemotherapy drug used before or after surgery to treat early-stage and can also be used for advanced-stage breast cancer. It is made from the needles of European yew trees. A generic version of Taxotere was approved in 2011 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Taxotere is usually given in combination with other chemotherapy medicines, including in the TCHP and TC chemo protocol. It is used to treat:
advanced-stage breast cancer that isn't responding to doxorubicin
advanced-stage breast cancer that has spread to other areas of the breast or other parts of the body after treatment with standard chemotherapy medicines
early-stage breast cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes after surgery
early-stage breast cancer of certain types before surgery is performed
See Taxotere prescribing information.
How Taxotere works
Taxotere (chemical name: docetaxel) is a taxane chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer. Taxanes interfere with the ability of cancer cells to divide.
Docetaxel chemo uses solvents to dissolve paclitaxel, the main ingredient, so the medicine can enter the bloodstream. These solvents may make Taxotere difficult to tolerate while being given. People usually take pre-medications to minimize reactions to the solvents.
What to expect during Taxotere treatment
Taxotere is given intravenously. You might have the treatment through a drip into your arm or through a central line. Because yew, the tree Taxotere is made from, is poisonous when taken orally, the medication should not be taken orally.
You’ll have a Taxotere infusion once every three weeks. Each drip takes about an hour. The number of treatments you’ll need depends on several factors, including the stage of your breast cancer.
You may be given steroid medication to help prevent fluid retention while receiving Taxotere chemo.
Taxotere side effects
Like almost all breast cancer medicines, Taxotere can cause side effects, some of them severe. A recent study found that neuropathy, or numbness in the fingers and toes, is more severe in people receiving Taxol, another taxane chemo drug.
The most common Taxotere side effects are:
susceptibility to infection
fluid retention
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
Taxotere can also cause an allergic reaction, which may be life threatening. Signs of an allergic reaction are:
hives or a red skin rash
trouble breathing or feeling like you might pass out
swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
If you have stomach pain, fever, or diarrhea, you may have swelling in your intestines. Call your doctor right away.
Real patient reviews
Members of our community discuss their experiences with Taxotere 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 just finished 6 rounds of Taxotere, carboplatin, and Herceptin last Tuesday. Yes, my hair still continued to fall out, but I have read that many other women had their hair start to grow back a little on Taxotere. I still have some left though. I did have a sore tongue with a few mouth sores. When I told my oncologist, she had me suck on ice during my infusion. It worked.” —lago
“I just finished four AC and have moved to four Taxoteres AC — was not too bad — just watch out for thrush, nausea, fatigue, nails changing color, and, of course, hair loss. That was my main complaint. For thrush, eat yogurt and gargle with club soda. I was given nyastin and fluconazole. Always stay on top of the nausea!” —coni
“I had Taxotere 18 years ago and my only side effect was watery eyes. I will say that my hair grew back very fine, sparse eyebrows and eyelashes. I see my oncologist soon. If I have a choice, I will choose Taxotere again.” —KimCee\
Read more in our Taxotere discussion forum.
Paying for Taxotere
The cost of Taxotere 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 Taxotere infusions.
Note: Your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization before covering Taxotere.
If you have trouble paying for Taxotere, 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 April 30, 2025 at 7:36 PM