Panataxel Injection 100mg

Pantaxel 100mg Injection contains Paclitaxel, a taxane chemotherapy medicine that treats ovarian, breast, non small cell lung cancer, and Kaposi sarcoma. The 100mg vial supports both weekly and 3 weekly dosing regimens in combination chemotherapy.

Pantaxel 100mg Ingredients and Usage

Pantaxel 100mg Injection contains Paclitaxel as its active ingredient at a concentration of 6mg per ml. The formulation also contains polyoxyl 35 castor oil (Cremophor EL) and dehydrated alcohol as solubilising agents. Paclitaxel is a semi synthetic taxane derived from the Pacific yew tree, Taxus brevifolia.

Oncologists prescribe Pantaxel 100mg for advanced ovarian cancer, often combined with cisplatin or carboplatin as first line therapy. It also treats metastatic and adjuvant breast cancer, non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and AIDS related Kaposi sarcoma.

The 100mg vial covers both weekly low dose schedules at 80 mg per square metre and 3 weekly regimens at 175 mg per square metre. Patients usually receive Pantaxel under continuous monitoring during a 1 hour or 3 hour intravenous infusion.

How Does Pantaxel 100mg Work?

Pantaxel 100mg targets the microtubule network inside dividing cancer cells. Paclitaxel promotes the assembly of microtubules from tubulin dimers and stabilises them by preventing depolymerisation. This stabilisation freezes microtubules in an assembled state and blocks their normal dynamic reorganisation.

Cancer cells need flexible microtubule networks to complete cell division. Paclitaxel arrests dividing cells in the G2 and M phases of the cell cycle by trapping the mitotic spindle.

The trapped cells cannot complete mitosis and eventually undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death. The drug also induces abnormal microtubule bundles throughout the cell cycle, further disrupting cancer cell function.

Pantaxel 100mg Side Effects

Pantaxel 100mg can cause significant side effects, with bone marrow suppression and hypersensitivity reactions being most concerning. The oncology team monitors blood counts and clinical signs before every chemotherapy cycle.

• Bone marrow suppression including neutropenia, anaemia, and thrombocytopenia (dose limiting)

• Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, flushing, low blood pressure, dyspnoea, and bronchospasm

• Hair loss (alopecia), which is usually reversible after treatment ends

• Peripheral sensory neuropathy with numbness, tingling, or burning sensations

• Joint pain (arthralgia) and muscle pain (myalgia)

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea

• Mouth sores (stomatitis) and mucositis

• Fatigue and weakness (asthenia)

• Cardiac conduction abnormalities including bradycardia, atrioventricular block, and hypotension

• Raised liver enzymes including AST, ALT, and bilirubin

• Skin and nail changes

• Injection site reactions including redness, swelling, or extravasation injury

• Serious: anaphylaxis, severe heart conduction problems, pulmonary toxicity, and Stevens Johnson syndrome

Warnings

• Pantaxel 100mg carries a boxed warning for anaphylaxis and severe hypersensitivity reactions, including fatal cases reported despite premedication.

• All patients must receive premedication with corticosteroids (dexamethasone), diphenhydramine, and H2 antagonists before each Pantaxel infusion.

• Only specialised oncology units should administer Pantaxel under the supervision of a qualified chemotherapy physician.

• Do not give Pantaxel to solid tumour patients with baseline neutrophil counts below 1500 cells per mm³.

• Do not give Pantaxel to AIDS related Kaposi sarcoma patients with neutrophil counts below 1000 cells per mm³.

• Pantaxel is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to paclitaxel, polyoxyl 35 castor oil (Cremophor EL), or any other ingredient.

• Patients who experience severe hypersensitivity reactions should not be rechallenged with paclitaxel under any circumstances.

• Use caution in patients with hepatic impairment, as dose reduction is necessary due to reduced clearance.

• Strong CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 inhibitors such as ketoconazole and gemfibrozil can raise paclitaxel blood levels and worsen toxicity.

• Continuous cardiac monitoring is recommended for patients with significant conduction abnormalities or those receiving concomitant cardiotoxic drugs.

• Pantaxel causes fetal harm and is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• Women of childbearing potential and male partners must use effective contraception during treatment and for several months afterwards.

• Avoid live vaccines during Pantaxel therapy due to the risk of severe infection in immunocompromised patients.

• Use non PVC infusion containers and administration sets to prevent leaching of plasticisers from the Cremophor EL vehicle.

• Stop Pantaxel and seek emergency care for signs of anaphylaxis, severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or fever above 38°C with low white cell count.

Pantaxel 100mg Storage Conditions

Store Pantaxel 100mg vials at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C in the original carton to protect the solution from light. Do not refrigerate or freeze the concentrate, as this can cause precipitation. After dilution in compatible IV fluid, use the prepared infusion solution within 27 hours, and always store Pantaxel 100mg out of the reach and sight of children at the dispensing pharmacy or hospital cytotoxic storage facility.