Ixabepilone
Ixabepilone Solution for injection
What is this medicine?
IXABEPILONE (IX ab EP i lone) is a chemotherapy drug. It is used to treat advanced breast cancer.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
diabetes
drug abuse or addiction
heart disease
if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
immune system problems
liver disease
low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
peripheral neuropathy
an unusual or allergic reaction to ixabepilone, Cremophor® EL, polyoxyethylated castor oil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
disulfiram
grapefruit or grapefruit juice
metronidazole
St. John's wort
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
alcohol
antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
carbamazepine
clarithromycin
dexamethasone
erythromycin
medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole
nefazodone
phenobarbital
phenytoin
rifabutin
rifampicin
rifampin
telithromycin
verapamil
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.
Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.
Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.
Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
chest pain or palpitations
fast, irregular heartbeat
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
fever or chills, sore throat
mouth sores
pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
swelling of the legs or ankles
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
hair loss
headache
loss of appetite
muscle or joint pain
nausea, vomiting
stomach pain
trouble sleeping
weak or tired
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert