Cytax 260mg Injection (Paclitaxel): Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Fever of 38°C or higher, or shivering with feeling unwell, which may indicate a serious infection.
- Rash, facial swelling, breathlessness, chest tightness, or dizziness during or shortly after the infusion.
- Unusual bruising, bleeding gums, blood in urine or stool, or vomiting blood.
- New or worsening numbness, tingling, weakness, or difficulty walking.
- Palpitations, fainting, or unexplained breathlessness.
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or severe upper abdominal pain.
- Severe mouth sores that make it difficult to eat or drink.
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea leading to dehydration.
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is axitaxel 260 injection used for?
This medicine is an intravenous chemotherapy medicine containing paclitaxel, used to treat breast cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma. It works by blocking cell division in cancer cells and is given only by a trained healthcare professional in a hospital or day-care setting.
- Generic Name: Paclitaxel
- Manufacturer: Axiommax Oncology Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 axitaxel 260 injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा पैक्लिटैक्सेल नामक सक्रिय तत्व वाली इंजेक्शन है, जिसे स्तन कैंसर, अंडाशय के कैंसर, फेफड़ों के कैंसर और एड्स से जुड़े कपोसी सारकोमा के इलाज में इस्तेमाल किया जाता है। यह दवा कैंसर कोशिकाओं के विभाजन को रोककर उन्हें नष्ट करने में मदद करती है। इसे केवल अस्पताल या कैंसर डे-केयर सेंटर में प्रशिक्षित डॉक्टर या नर्स द्वारा नस के माध्यम से दिया जाता है। मरीज को इसे घर पर स्वयं नहीं लगाना चाहिए। इलाज से पहले और बाद में खून की जांच, लीवर की जांच और नसों की जांच की जाती है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा से बाल झड़ना, हाथ-पैरों में झुनझुनी या सुन्नपन, मांसपेशियों और जोड़ों में दर्द, जी मिचलाना, उल्टी, दस्त, मुंह के छाले, थकान और खून की कोशिकाओं में कमी जैसे दुष्प्रभाव हो सकते हैं। कुछ मरीजों में इंजेक्शन के दौरान तेज एलर्जी, सांस लेने में तकलीफ, बुखार के साथ संक्रमण, या नसों की गंभीर समस्या हो सकती है। कोई भी नया बुखार, सांस की तकलीफ, चेहरे पर सूजन, छाती में जकड़न या असामान्य खून आना तुरंत डॉक्टर को बताना चाहिए।
सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा केवल अस्पताल या कैंसर डे-केयर सेंटर में प्रशिक्षित स्वास्थ्यकर्मी द्वारा ही दी जानी चाहिए। इंजेक्शन से पहले एलर्जी रोकने के लिए स्टेरॉयड, एंटीहिस्टामिन और एच2 ब्लॉकर दिए जाते हैं। इलाज के दौरान खून की जांच, लीवर की जांच और नसों की जांच नियमित रूप से करानी चाहिए। इस दवा के साथ शराब नहीं पीनी चाहिए। गर्भवती महिलाओं और स्तनपान कराने वाली महिलाओं को यह दवा डॉक्टर की सलाह के बिना नहीं लेनी चाहिए। इलाज के दौरान लाइव वैक्सीन नहीं लगवानी चाहिए।
💊 axitaxel 260 injection Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Metastatic breast cancer","description":"Used as first-line or later-line therapy, often after anthracycline failure, to shrink tumours and prolong survival.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Ovarian cancer","description":"Given in combination with platinum agents for advanced ovarian carcinoma and as salvage therapy in recurrent disease.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Non-small cell lung cancer","description":"Combined with platinum-based chemotherapy for locally advanced or metastatic disease in suitable patients.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma","description":"Used as second-line therapy in patients who have not responded adequately to prior systemic treatment.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Gastric and gastro-oesophageal junction cancer","description":"Used in some combination regimens for advanced disease, depending on local protocols and patient fitness.","evidence":"Moderate"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Head and neck cancer","description":"Sometimes included in combination chemotherapy for recurrent or metastatic disease.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Bladder cancer","description":"Occasionally used in platinum-ineligible or pretreated patients as part of a combination regimen.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Cervical cancer","description":"Investigated in some recurrent or metastatic settings, usually within clinical protocols.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Breast cancer
Also treats: Ovarian cancer, Non-small cell lung cancer, AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma, Gastric cancer
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Paclitaxel |
| Brand Name | Altaxel 100mg Injection |
| Manufacturer | Axiommax Oncology Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI NEOPLASTICS |
| Action Class | Antimicrotubule agents- Taxanes |
| Route of Administration | Intravenous infusion only, given by a trained healthcare professional after dilution. This medicine is not for oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, or topical use |
| Storage | Store the unopened vial in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C, protected from light. Do not freeze. After dilution, the solution should be used as soon as possible according to the manufacturer's instructions and local pharmacy policy. Keep out of reach of children. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life of the unopened vial is usually 24 months from the date of manufacture, but the exact expiry date is printed on the pack. Once diluted, the solution should be used within the time specified by the manufacturer and hospital pharmacy policy. |
| WHO Guideline | Paclitaxel is included in several World Health Organization essential medicines lists and cancer treatment guidelines for breast, ovarian, and lung cancer, but the exact regimen must follow the latest national and institutional protocols. |
| ICMR Guideline | Indian Council of Medical Research and national cancer guidelines recognise paclitaxel as part of standard chemotherapy for breast, ovarian, and lung cancer. Treatment should follow the current ICMR or institutional protocol and be supervised by a qualified oncologist. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
Paclitaxel binds to the beta-tubulin subunit of microtubules and promotes their assembly while preventing their disassembly. This stabilisation locks the microtubule network in a hyperpolymerised state, so the mitotic spindle cannot pull chromosomes apart during cell division. Dividing cells arrest in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and eventually undergo apoptosis. Because cancer cells divide more frequently than most normal cells, they are more vulnerable to this effect, although normal tissues that divide quickly, such as bone marrow, hair follicles, and nerves, are also affected.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take axitaxel 260 injection
Strength: This medicine is supplied as a 260 mg single-use injection concentrate for intravenous infusion after dilution. It must not be given undiluted and must not be used if the solution contains particles or is discoloured.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The dose of this medicine is determined by the treating oncologist and depends on the type of cancer, the treatment regimen, the patient's body surface area, blood counts, liver function, and previous treatment. Common schedules include a dose given once every three weeks or a smaller dose given weekly, always as an intravenous infusion over a specified period. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Premedication is given before each infusion to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatric oncologist. |
| Elderly Dosage | Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially bone marrow suppression, nerve damage, and heart-rhythm changes. The treating oncologist may choose a lower dose or a gentler schedule and will monitor blood counts, heart rhythm, and neurological symptoms more closely. |
| Renal Impairment | Mild to moderate kidney impairment usually does not require a dose change, but this medicine has not been well studied in patients with severe kidney impairment or those on dialysis. The treating oncologist will decide whether dose adjustment or extra monitoring is needed. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Patients with liver impairment may clear this medicine more slowly and are at higher risk of bone marrow suppression and nerve damage. The dose is usually reduced or treatment delayed based on bilirubin and liver enzyme levels, and treatment is generally avoided in severe liver impairment unless the specialist decides it is essential. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum dose is not fixed and depends on the treatment protocol, body surface area, and tolerability. It must be determined by the treating oncologist. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of axitaxel 260 injection
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Ketoconazole | Major | |
| Gemfibrozil | Major | |
| Warfarin | Moderate | |
| Cisplatin | Major | |
| Doxorubicin | Moderate | |
| Rifampicin | Moderate | |
| Phenytoin | Moderate | |
| Live vaccines | Major | |
| Grapefruit juice | Moderate | |
| St John's wort | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and ritonavir
- Strong CYP2C8 inhibitors such as gemfibrozil
- Live vaccines
- Cisplatin
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Warfarin and other anticoagulants
- Doxorubicin
- Carbamazepine, phenytoin, and rifampicin
- Grapefruit juice
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while receiving this medicine because it can worsen nerve damage, liver stress, and drowsiness. It may also increase the risk of stomach irritation and bleeding. Patients should discuss any alcohol use with their oncologist.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known severe hypersensitivity to paclitaxel or any ingredient of the formulation","Baseline neutrophil count below 1500 cells per microlitre","Baseline platelet count below 100000 cells per microlitre","Pregnancy unless the treating oncologist decides the benefit outweighs the risk","Breastfeeding without stopping nursing","Severe uncontrolled infection","Severe liver impairment without specialist supervision"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine must be given only by a trained healthcare professional in a facility equipped to manage allergic reactions.","Premedication with a corticosteroid, antihistamine, and H2 blocker is usually required before each infusion.","Blood counts must be checked before each cycle, and treatment delayed if counts are too low.","Patients should report new numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands or feet promptly.","Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment.","Effective contraception is required for both men and women during treatment and for a period afterwards.","This medicine should be handled and disposed of as hazardous material according to local rules.","Patients with heart disease or taking heart medicines need close cardiac monitoring."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Paclitaxel passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Breastfeeding should be stopped before starting this medicine and should not be restarted until the treating oncologist confirms it is safe.
💊 Overdose Management
There is no specific antidote for an overdose of this medicine. Overdose can cause severe bone marrow suppression, nerve damage, and mucosal inflammation. Treatment is supportive and may include blood transfusions, growth factors, antibiotics for infection, and intensive monitoring in hospital. Any suspected overdose should be reported immediately to the treating oncology team and the local poison information centre.
⏰ Missed Dose
This medicine is given as a scheduled intravenous infusion in a hospital or day-care unit, so a missed dose usually means a missed appointment. Contact the treating oncology team as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not attempt to catch up with an extra dose, and never self-administer this medicine at home.
Additional Safety Advice
This medicine must be given only by a trained oncology nurse or doctor in a facility that can manage allergic reactions and cardiac emergencies. Premedication with a corticosteroid, an antihistamine, and an H2 blocker is usually given before each infusion to reduce the chance of a severe hypersensitivity reaction. Blood counts, liver tests, and neurological symptoms are checked regularly, and treatment is adjusted or delayed if counts are too low or nerve damage is worsening. Patients should avoid live vaccines during treatment, use effective contraception, and inform every doctor or dentist about this medicine before any procedure. Alcohol should be avoided because it can worsen nerve and liver effects. This medicine is not for self-administration at home, and any leftover solution must be disposed of as hazardous waste according to local rules.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially bone marrow suppression, nerve damage, heart-rhythm changes, and fatigue. The treating oncologist may choose a lower dose or a gentler schedule and will monitor blood counts, heart rhythm, and neurological symptoms more closely. Falls risk should also be assessed because numbness in the feet can affect balance.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
This medicine can harm an unborn baby and is not recommended during pregnancy. Both men and women should use effective contraception during treatment and for a period afterwards as advised by the treating oncologist. If you are planning a pregnancy, discuss it with your oncology team before starting treatment, because fertility preservation options may be available. Do not become pregnant or father a child while receiving this medicine without specialist advice.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
This medicine can delay wound healing and increase the risk of infection after surgery because it suppresses the immune system and affects rapidly dividing cells. The timing of surgery and chemotherapy should be planned by the treating team, and any signs of wound infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, should be reported promptly.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Dental procedures may need to be postponed during treatment with this medicine because of low blood counts and an increased risk of infection and bleeding. Always inform your dentist that you are receiving this medicine before any dental work. Routine dental cleaning may be safe with precautions, but extractions and other invasive procedures should be discussed with your oncologist first.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Gentle exercise such as short walks, light stretching, and breathing exercises can help maintain strength and mood during treatment. However, avoid heavy lifting, contact sports, or activities that could cause injury, especially if you have low blood counts, numbness in the feet, or feel dizzy. Always check with your oncologist before starting or changing an exercise routine.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine can cause tiredness, nausea, and nerve symptoms that may affect your ability to work during treatment. Many patients need to take time off around infusion days and may need to reduce working hours. Driving and operating heavy machinery should be avoided immediately after the infusion and while you feel drowsy or dizzy. Discuss your work schedule with your oncologist so that treatment and rest can be planned safely.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop or change the schedule of this medicine on your own. The treating oncologist decides when to stop based on response to treatment, side effects, blood counts, and the overall treatment plan. Treatment may be stopped early if the cancer progresses, if side effects become severe, or if the patient chooses to stop after discussing the risks and benefits. Always speak to your oncology team before making any decision about stopping treatment.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term effects of this medicine can include persistent numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, which may improve slowly after treatment stops but can sometimes be permanent. Some patients experience ongoing tiredness, hair changes, and mild memory or concentration difficulties. Regular follow-up with the oncologist is important to monitor for recurrence of cancer, nerve symptoms, and any late effects. Blood counts and liver function usually recover between cycles, but long-term monitoring may be needed depending on the total dose received and other treatments given.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Another taxane that may be used in similar cancers with a different dosing schedule and side-effect profile.
Evidence: Well-establishedA different formulation of paclitaxel that may be used in some patients and settings.
Evidence: Well-establishedMay be used alone or in combination depending on the cancer type and molecular markers.
Evidence: Well-established for selected cancersFocuses on relieving pain and other symptoms and improving quality of life alongside cancer treatment.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment with this medicine because the immune system is suppressed and there is a risk of vaccine-related infection. Inactivated vaccines may be given, but the response may be weaker than usual. Discuss the timing of any vaccine with your oncologist, and ensure that family members and close contacts are up to date with their vaccinations to reduce the risk of passing infections to you.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store the unopened vial in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C.
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze the vial.
✅ DO
Keep the vial in its original carton to protect it from light.
❌ DON'T
Do not store it in direct sunlight or in a hot place.
✅ DO
Follow hospital pharmacy instructions for diluted solution.
❌ DON'T
Do not use the solution if it is discoloured or contains particles.
✅ DO
Keep all medicines out of reach of children.
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer the medicine to unlabelled containers.
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
This medicine is given in a hospital or day-care setting, so travel should be planned around treatment appointments. If you need to travel, carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your oncologist explaining the medicine and the treatment schedule. Keep the original packaging and any medical documents in your hand luggage. The unopened vial must be stored refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C and protected from light, so it should not be carried casually in checked baggage. Discuss any travel plans with your treating team well in advance so that doses are not missed and follow-up blood tests can be arranged.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: The medicine starts acting on cancer cells soon after the infusion, but visible tumour shrinkage usually takes several weeks and is assessed by scans after a few cycles.
A: No. This medicine must be given only by a trained healthcare professional in a hospital or day-care setting because of the risk of severe allergic reactions and other serious side effects.
A: Hair loss is very common with this medicine, but it is usually temporary. Hair generally regrows after treatment is completed, although the colour and texture may change.
A: You should avoid driving immediately after the infusion because the premedication and the medicine itself can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or allergic reactions. Ask your doctor when it is safe to drive again.
A: Contact your oncology day-care unit as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not try to catch up with an extra dose or self-administer the medicine.
A: This medicine can harm the unborn baby and is not recommended during pregnancy unless the treating oncologist decides that the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. Effective contraception is essential during treatment.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for axitaxel 260 injection
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
dutaxel 260mg injectionSamarth Life Sciences Pvt Ltd ₹1,128.00 89.6% CHEAPER
-
taxeleon 260mg injectionNeon Laboratories Ltd ₹1,440.00 86.7% CHEAPER
-
paclicad 260mg injectionCadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹2,601.56 75.9% CHEAPER
-
paclistar 260mg injectionLupin Ltd ₹3,146.52 70.9% CHEAPER
-
maclitaxel 260mg injectionMacleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd ₹3,678.75 65.9% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can be self-injected at home like insulin.
Fact: This medicine must be given only by a trained healthcare professional in a hospital or day-care setting because of the risk of severe allergic reactions and other serious side effects. - Myth: Hair loss from this medicine is permanent.
Fact: Hair loss is usually temporary, and hair generally regrows after treatment is completed, although the colour and texture may change. - Myth: This medicine can be taken with any other medicine without checking.
Fact: This medicine interacts with several drugs and herbal products, so all medicines and supplements must be reviewed by the treating oncologist. - Myth: This medicine is safe during pregnancy.
Fact: This medicine can harm the unborn baby and is not recommended during pregnancy unless the treating oncologist decides the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Paclitaxel injection
Brand Alternatives
- Cytax 260mg injection