Each person's reaction to chemotherapy is different. Some people have very few side effects while others may experience more. The side effects described here will not affect everyone who is having treatment with Taxotere and cisplatin.
We have outlined the most common and the less common side effects so that you can be aware of them if they occur. However, we have not included those that are very rare and therefore unlikely to affect you. If you do notice any effects which you think may be due to the drug, but which are not listed here, please discuss them with your doctor or chemotherapy nurse.
Lowered resistance to infection Both Taxotere and cisplatin can reduce the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection. This effect can begin seven days after treatment has been given, with your resistance to infection usually reaching its lowest point 10–14 days after chemotherapy. Your blood cells will then increase steadily and will usually have returned to normal levels before your next cycle of chemotherapy is due.
Contact your doctor or the hospital straightaway if:
- your temperature goes above 38ºC (100.5ºF)
- you suddenly feel unwell (even with a normal temperature).
You will have a blood test before having more chemotherapy to make sure that your number of white blood cells has returned to normal. Occasionally, it may be necessary to delay treatment if your number of blood cells (blood count) is still low.
Bruising or bleeding The chemotherapy can reduce the production of platelets, which help the blood to clot. Let your doctor know if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, blood spots or rashes on the skin, or bleeding gums.
Anaemia (low number of red blood cells) While having this treatment you may become anaemic. This may make you feel tired and breathless. Let your doctor or nurse know if these effects are a problem.
Feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting) Your doctor can prescribe very effective anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs to prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting. If the sickness is not controlled, or if it continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective. Some anti-sickness drugs may cause constipation. Let your doctor or nurse know if this is a problem.
Strange taste Occasionally during treatment you may experience a strange taste, sometimes described as metallic or bitter. Some people find that sucking on a strongly-flavoured sweet or mint helps to disguise this.
Diarrhoea If this happens, it can usually be controlled easily with medicine, but let your doctor know if it is severe or if it continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you suffer from diarrhoea.
Sore mouth and ulcers Your mouth may become sore or dry, or you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Tell your nurse or doctor if you have any of these problems as they can give you special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear any mouth infection. Using a soft toothbrush may be helpful.
Taste changes You may also notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste usually comes back after the treatment finishes.
Loss of appetite Some people lose their appetite while having chemotherapy. If you are having eating difficulties it may help to speak to the hospital dietitian, who can give you advice about how to eat well during chemotherapy.
Hair loss This is due to Taxotere and usually starts 2–3 weeks after the first treatment, although it may occur earlier. Hair may be lost completely or may just thin. You may also have thinning and loss of eyelashes, eyebrows and other body hair. Hair loss is temporary and your hair will regrow once treatment ends.
Skin changes Docetaxel can cause a rash. Your doctor can prescribe medicine to help with this.
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet This is due to the effect of docetaxel or cisplatin on nerve endings and is known as peripheral neuropathy. You may notice that you have difficulty with doing up buttons or other fiddly tasks. Tell your doctor if you notice these effects so that they can be monitored. The problems can improve slowly a few months after treatment, although in some cases they never fully disappear.
Fluid retention You may notice that you gain weight and/or that your ankles and legs swell. This decreases slowly once your treatment has finished. If this does happen it is important to let your medical or nursing staff know.
Tiredness and feeling weak It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest. Many people feel extremely tired during chemotherapy, particularly towards the end of treatment.
Allergic reaction You will be given medicine (a steroid) before treatment to reduce the chance of this happening and to help reduce other side effects, such as fluid retention. It is important to take the steroids as you have been directed. Signs of an allergic reaction include skin rashes and itching, a high temperature, shivering, redness of the face, a feeling of dizziness, a headache, breathlessness, anxiety and a need to pass urine. You will be closely monitored for any signs of an allergic reaction during the treatment. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of these symptoms.
Always let your doctor or nurse know about any side effects that you have as a reaction can quickly be treated.
