Ixempra 45mg Injection (Ixabepilone): 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, chills, or sore throat
- Unusual bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or blood in urine or stool
- Severe numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in hands or feet
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, or fainting
- Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe upper abdominal pain
- New or worsening cough, shortness of breath, or fever with lung symptoms
- Severe rash, blisters, or peeling skin
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is ixempra 45mg injection used for?
This medicine is an injectable chemotherapy medicine containing ixabepilone 45 mg. It is used with capecitabine to treat metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer that has not responded to certain other treatments. It works by stabilising microtubules inside cancer cells, preventing them from dividing. It is given by a healthcare professional as an intravenous infusion over three hours every three weeks. Common side effects include nerve tingling, tiredness, nausea, and low blood counts.
- Generic Name: Ixabepilone (45mg)
- Manufacturer: BMS India Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 ixempra 45mg injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा इक्साबेपिलोन 45 मिलीग्राम इंजेक्शन के रूप में उपलब्ध है और यह एक कीमोथेरेपी दवा है। इसका उपयोग मुख्य रूप से उन रोगियों में किया जाता है जिन्हें मेटास्टेटिक या लोकली एडवांस्ड ब्रेस्ट कैंसर है और जिनका इलाज पहले दिए गए कुछ अन्य कीमोथेरेपी दवाओं से ठीक से नहीं हुआ है। यह दवा कैपेसिटाबिन के साथ मिलाकर दी जाती है। यह दवा कैंसर कोशिकाओं के अंदर माइक्रोट्यूब्यूल्स नामक संरचनाओं को स्थिर करके उनकी कोशिका विभाजन प्रक्रिया को रोकती है, जिससे कैंसर कोशिकाएं मर जाती हैं। यह दवा केवल डॉक्टर या नर्स द्वारा नस के माध्यम से ड्रिप (इंट्रावेनस इन्फ्यूजन) के रूप में दी जाती है, आमतौर पर तीन घंटे में। इसे घर पर स्वयं नहीं लगाया जा सकता। इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में हाथ-पैरों में झनझनाहट या सुन्नपन, थकान, जी मिचलाना, उल्टी, दस्त, मुंह के छाले, बाल झड़ना और खून की कोशिकाओं की कमी शामिल हैं। कुछ गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव भी हो सकते हैं, इसलिए इलाज के दौरान नियमित जांच और निगरानी बहुत जरूरी है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के कई दुष्प्रभाव हो सकते हैं। सबसे आम दुष्प्रभावों में हाथ-पैरों में झनझनाहट, जलन या सुन्नपन, जिसे पेरिफेरल न्यूरोपैथी कहते हैं, थकान, कमजोरी, जी मिचलाना, उल्टी, दस्त, मुंह के छाले, भूख न लगना, बाल झड़ना, मांसपेशियों और जोड़ों में दर्द, और खून की कोशिकाओं की कमी शामिल हैं। खून की सफेद कोशिकाओं की कमी से संक्रमण का खतरा बढ़ सकता है, और प्लेटलेट्स की कमी से खून बहने या नील पड़ने की समस्या हो सकती है। कुछ लोगों को इंजेक्शन के दौरान या बाद में एलर्जी, दाने या खुजली हो सकती है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में तेज बुखार के साथ संक्रमण, बहुत कम खून की कोशिकाएं, गंभीर न्यूरोपैथी, गंभीर एलर्जी प्रतिक्रिया और लिवर की समस्या शामिल हैं। कोई भी नया या बढ़ता हुआ लक्षण दिखे तो तुरंत डॉक्टर या नर्स को बताएं।
सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा केवल अस्पताल या क्लिनिक में योग्य डॉक्टर या नर्स द्वारा ही दी जानी चाहिए। इसे घर पर स्वयं न लगाएं। हर खुराक से पहले अपने डॉक्टर को अपनी सभी दवाओं, हर्बल उत्पादों और सप्लीमेंट्स के बारे में बताएं। अगर आपको लिवर, दिल, या मधुमेह की समस्या है, या पहले कभी किसी दवा से एलर्जी हुई है, तो डॉक्टर को जरूर बताएं। गर्भवती होने, गर्भधारण की योजना बनाने या स्तनपान कराने के बारे में भी डॉक्टर को बताएं। इलाज के दौरान और आखिरी खुराक के बाद कुछ समय तक प्रभावी गर्भनिरोधक तरीका अपनाएं। संक्रमण वाले लोगों से दूर रहें और हाथ धोते रहें। बुखार, ठंड लगना, गले में दर्द, असामान्य खून बहना या नील पड़ना, बहुत ज्यादा थकान, हाथ-पैरों में सुन्नपन या कमजोरी, सीने में दर्द, धड़कन तेज होना या सांस लेने में तकलीफ हो तो तुरंत डॉक्टर को बताएं। नियमित जांच और फॉलो-अप मिस न करें।
💊 ixempra 45mg injection Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer","description":"This medicine is used in combination with capecitabine for patients with metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer that has progressed after treatment with an anthracycline and a taxane, or when these medicines are not suitable.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Breast cancer resistant to taxanes","description":"It may be used in some patients whose breast cancer has not responded to taxane chemotherapy, based on specialist assessment.","evidence":"Established in specific settings"},{"condition":"Other solid tumours","description":"It has been studied in other cancers, but its role outside breast cancer is not established for routine use.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Other advanced solid tumours","description":"Occasionally specialists may consider this medicine for other advanced cancers after standard treatments have failed, but this is not a standard approved use.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer
Also treats: Breast cancer resistant to anthracyclines and taxanes
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Ixabepilone (45mg) |
| Brand Name | ixempra 45mg injection |
| Manufacturer | BMS India Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI NEOPLASTICS |
| Action Class | Alkaloids-cytotoxic agents |
| Route of Administration | Parenteral (intravenous infusion) |
| Storage | Store this medicine in its original carton in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Once the medicine has been prepared for infusion, it should be used within the time specified by the pharmacy, usually within a few hours. Keep out of reach of children. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life of the unopened product is usually 24 months from the date of manufacture, but the exact expiry date is printed on the pack. Do not use after the expiry date. Once prepared, the infusion should be used within the time recommended by the manufacturer and pharmacy. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ 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
This medicine belongs to the epothilone class of chemotherapy agents. Its active ingredient, ixabepilone, binds to beta-tubulin, a protein that makes up microtubules. Microtubules are essential for cell division and for maintaining cell shape and internal transport. By binding to tubulin, this medicine stabilises microtubules and prevents them from breaking down normally. This disrupts the mitotic spindle, which is the structure that separates chromosomes during cell division. As a result, cancer cells cannot divide properly and are pushed towards cell death. Because cancer cells divide more often than most normal cells, they are more sensitive to this effect, although normal tissues that divide quickly, such as bone marrow, hair follicles, and nerves, can also be affected, which explains many of the side effects.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take ixempra 45mg injection
Strength: This medicine is supplied as a single-use vial containing 45 mg of ixabepilone as a sterile powder for concentrate for solution for infusion. It must be reconstituted and diluted before use by a healthcare professional.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is 40 mg per square metre of body surface area, given as an intravenous infusion over three hours every three weeks, in combination with capecitabine. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor based on your body surface area, blood counts, liver function, and side effects. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Never change the dose or schedule without your doctor's advice. |
| 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 peripheral neuropathy and low blood counts. Your doctor will decide the dose based on your overall health, kidney and liver function, and other medicines you take. Close monitoring is recommended. |
| Renal Impairment | The effect of kidney problems on this medicine is not fully established. Patients with kidney problems should be monitored closely, and the dose may need to be adjusted by your doctor based on kidney function and other factors. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Patients with mild liver problems may need a lower dose. This medicine should not be used in patients with severe liver problems. Your doctor will check your liver function before and during treatment and adjust the dose accordingly. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum dose is determined by your doctor based on body surface area and tolerability. The usual dose is 40 mg per square metre given once every three weeks. Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of ixempra 45mg 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 | |
| Itraconazole | Major | |
| Clarithromycin | Major | |
| Ritonavir | Major | |
| Rifampicin | Major | |
| Carbamazepine | Major | |
| Phenytoin | Major | |
| St John's wort | Major | |
| Fluconazole | Moderate | |
| Capecitabine | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example, ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir)
- Strong CYP3A4 inducers (for example, rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St John's wort)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example, fluconazole, diltiazem, verapamil, grapefruit juice)
- Other chemotherapy medicines
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol is not known to interact directly with this medicine, but drinking alcohol can worsen side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fatigue. It can also put extra strain on the liver, which is already involved in breaking down this medicine. It is best to avoid alcohol or limit it strictly while you are receiving treatment, and to ask your doctor for personal advice.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Previous severe allergic reaction to ixabepilone or any ingredient in the product","Very low white blood cell count (neutropenia)","Very low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)","Severe liver problems","Pregnancy","Breastfeeding without medical advice"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine must only be given by a qualified healthcare professional in a setting with emergency facilities.","Peripheral neuropathy is common and may be dose-limiting. Report numbness, tingling, or weakness in hands or feet promptly.","Low blood counts can increase the risk of infection and bleeding. Report fever, chills, sore throat, unusual bruising, or bleeding.","Severe allergic reactions can occur during or after infusion. Tell your nurse or doctor immediately if you feel unwell.","Liver problems can increase the risk of toxicity. Liver function should be checked regularly.","This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Use effective contraception during treatment and for a period after the last dose.","Do not receive live vaccines without asking your doctor first.","Avoid grapefruit and St John's wort while on treatment.","Tell your doctor about all other medicines, including herbal products, before starting treatment."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether ixabepilone passes into breast milk. Because this medicine can cause serious side effects in a breastfed baby, breastfeeding should be stopped during treatment and for a period after the last dose as advised by your doctor.
💊 Overdose Management
There is no specific antidote for an overdose of this medicine. Overdose can cause severe bone marrow suppression, nerve damage, and other serious side effects. Treatment is supportive and may include close monitoring of blood counts, management of infections, and other measures as needed. If an overdose is suspected, contact emergency medical services immediately.
⏰ Missed Dose
This medicine is given by a healthcare professional, so a missed dose is unlikely to happen at home. If you miss an appointment for your infusion, contact your cancer care team as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not try to catch up by taking extra doses. Your doctor will decide the best time for your next dose based on your treatment schedule and blood test results.
Additional Safety Advice
This medicine must only be given by a qualified healthcare professional in a setting where emergency equipment and medicines are available. Do not attempt to use this medicine at home. Before each dose, tell your doctor about all other medicines you take, including herbal products, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs, because some can interact with this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, heart problems, diabetes, or a history of allergic reactions, and if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Use effective contraception during treatment and for a period after the last dose as advised by your doctor. Avoid close contact with people who have infections, and wash your hands often. Do not receive live vaccines without asking your doctor first. Drink enough fluids unless your doctor has told you to limit fluids. Report any fever, chills, sore throat, unusual bleeding, bruising, severe tiredness, numbness or weakness in the hands or feet, chest pain, palpitations, or difficulty breathing immediately. Keep all follow-up appointments and blood tests, because these help your doctor adjust treatment safely.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, and low blood counts. Your doctor will assess your overall health, kidney and liver function, and other medicines before deciding on the dose. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for a period after the last dose as advised by their doctor. Men receiving this medicine should also use effective contraception. If you are planning pregnancy, discuss it with your doctor before starting treatment. Do not become pregnant while on this medicine.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you have recently had surgery, tell your doctor before starting this medicine. Chemotherapy can affect wound healing and increase the risk of infection. Your doctor will decide the best time to start treatment after surgery based on your recovery and overall health.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Before any dental procedure, tell your dentist that you are receiving this medicine. Chemotherapy can increase the risk of bleeding and infection. Your dentist may need to take precautions, such as checking your blood counts and using antibiotics. Do not schedule dental work without consulting your doctor.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Exercise can help with fatigue and mood, but you should avoid strenuous activities during treatment, especially if you have low blood counts, severe fatigue, or peripheral neuropathy. Gentle walking, stretching, or yoga may be suitable. Always check with your doctor before starting any exercise programme. Stop exercising and seek medical advice if you feel dizzy, short of breath, or unwell.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause fatigue, nausea, and nerve symptoms that can affect your ability to work. You may need to take time off for infusions and recovery. Discuss your treatment schedule with your employer and consider flexible working arrangements. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel tired or dizzy. Ask your doctor for advice about when you can safely return to work.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine without talking to your doctor. Treatment may be stopped or changed if side effects become severe, if the cancer worsens, or if you decide to stop. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you. If you experience severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately; they may adjust the dose or stop treatment temporarily.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine may lead to persistent peripheral neuropathy, which can affect daily activities. It can also cause prolonged bone marrow suppression, increasing the risk of infections and bleeding. Regular monitoring of blood counts, liver function, and neurological symptoms is essential. Some patients may experience ongoing fatigue. The risk of long-term effects increases with cumulative dose and duration of treatment. Your doctor will assess the benefits and risks regularly and may adjust or stop treatment if needed.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Depending on your cancer type and previous treatments, other chemotherapy medicines such as taxanes, anthracyclines, or eribulin may be options.
Evidence: Well-establishedFor some breast cancers, targeted medicines such as trastuzumab or pertuzumab may be used if the cancer has certain markers.
Evidence: Well-established for specific subtypesFor hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, hormonal treatments may be an option.
Evidence: Well-established for specific subtypesAsk your doctor if there are any clinical trials suitable for your condition.
Evidence: Varies💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
Do not receive live vaccines while you are receiving this medicine, as they can cause serious infections. Inactivated vaccines may be given, but they may not work as well because your immune system may be weakened. Ask your doctor about the best time for any vaccinations, including flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze
✅ DO
Keep in the original carton to protect from light
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to another container
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children
❌ DON'T
Do not use after the expiry date
✅ DO
Use the prepared infusion within the recommended time
❌ DON'T
Do not store the prepared infusion for later use
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
If you need to travel while receiving treatment with this medicine, plan your trip around your infusion schedule. Carry your prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining your treatment. This medicine is given in a clinic or hospital, so arrange for a facility at your destination if needed. Store the medicine in its original packaging in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C; do not freeze. If travelling by air, carry it in hand luggage with proper cooling packs and documentation. Check customs rules for carrying prescription medicines. Avoid travel if you have a fever or active infection.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine is given by a healthcare professional as an intravenous infusion over about three hours in a clinic or hospital. It is usually given every three weeks.
A: The most common side effects include tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, mouth sores, hair loss, and low blood counts.
A: You may feel tired or dizzy after the infusion. It is best to arrange for someone to drive you home. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel fully alert.
A: No. This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Use effective contraception during treatment and for a period after the last dose. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
A: A fever of 38°C or higher may be a sign of infection. Contact your doctor or go to the emergency department immediately. Do not wait.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can be taken as a tablet at home.
Fact: This medicine is given only as an intravenous infusion by a healthcare professional in a clinic or hospital. - Myth: This medicine is safe for everyone with breast cancer.
Fact: It is used only in specific situations and is not suitable for everyone. Your doctor will decide if it is right for you. - Myth: Side effects of this medicine are always mild.
Fact: Some side effects can be serious, such as severe infections, nerve damage, and allergic reactions. Close monitoring is needed. - Myth: You can stop treatment as soon as you feel better.
Fact: Treatment should only be stopped or changed on your doctor's advice. Stopping early may reduce the benefit.