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Regimen Information

For Taxotere + Prednisone, including Side Effects

Taxotere + Prednisone

Drugs in this Regimen:

For the treatment of Prostate Cancer

How Taxotere + Prednisone chemotherapy is given and possible side effects.

Taxotere + Prednisone for the treatment of Prostate Cancer

Taxotere (docetaxel) + Prednisone is a treatment regimen for prostate cancer.

MOST COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF TAXOTERE + PREDNISONE

  • Neuropathy

  • Nausea & Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Risk of Infection

For more information, see the 'Expert Resources' tab below.

Community Responses

Often, the most helpful information regarding treatment side effects comes not from clinical brochures, but rather from other patients like you. We've collected the most helpful community resources to help you prepare for the side effects and coping tips for your chemotherapy regimen.

What side effects did you experience while on this medication?

KEN
KEN
Hi, I'm KEN
KEN

I receive oral and IV dexamethasone (Decadron) instead of Prednisone with IV taxotere, every three weeks.

My first infusion did not include Neulasta. A few days after infusion, my normal temperature of 97 went to 99. Other side effects included sore throat and cough, sharp stomach and esophageal pain, swollen and painful tongue. Worst was intense shooting pains especially from hips to heels that felt like electric shocks. That was accompanied by “sting” pains everywhere on my body that felt like bug bites. Going into the second week after infusion, I had chills, sweating and temperature hit 103. Admitted to emergency at hospital. Temperature had dropped to 101 but white blood count was so low they isolated me and medical personnel wore masks when they saw me. They kept me for three days. They determined that I had diverticulitis exacerbated by the low white blood count.

Saline and antibiotics IV, acetaminophen and antacid worked.

Since then, my infusions have been followed by Neulasta. All side effects mentioned above, except high fever and diverticulitis, continue.

Other continuing side effects include hair loss and fatigue. My sense of taste is mostly gone, and remaining taste has been contorted. For example, sweet is bitter. I have discovered that the shooting and “sting” pains appear to be related to muscle spasms.

The side effect pattern appears to begin on third day after infusion and severity peaks at about a week. After that, the effects become noticeably less severe every day. By the end of the second week, most side effects have reduced significantly. The third week is almost “normal”.

I recently got Rx for pain and sleep and will try them after the next infusion.

  • Fri Aug 12, 2016
Every Day is an Adventure

I have also been on this treatment regimen for recurring metastatic prostate cancer to my lungs. I started with a pre-treatment of oral Dexamethasone and had very little side effects to the chemo drug. Did have some irritation at the injection site a slight constipation but not really an issue. Doctor Hugec also put me on a Probiotic and Metamucil 3 weeks before I began the series of infusions and I must say, it really has helped. HIGHLY recommend. I too have the Neulasta patch that self injects 27 hrs after completion of infusion. ITs quite a remarkable device. IT is used to speed the recovery of your white cells. Side effects to this are some lower back pain and leg pain, where most of your blood cells are generated from. Manage that with the Tylenol recommended by the team. Nadir or where your blood counts bottom out, happeded for me about day 6, then energy levels came back up and I was almost normal by day 14. So, days 14-21 were good days for the most part and I resumed normal activities. I MASK everywhere being at risk for normal stuff, along with the threat of Covid. Cant afford to get that at this juncture. 4 more infusions to go, 21 days apart. They tell me that is how long it takes for your blood to recover fully. Great team at MN Oncology Maplewood, where I get my infusions. So, best advise is to follow your doctors orders to a tee and keep a steril/clean bathroom for the patient.

  • Thu Jul 28, 2022
Hi, I'm Margaret A M.

To the gentleman who posted Fri., Aug 12, 2016: Thank you for taking the time to post your experience with IV Decadron and IV taxotere. My husband is scheduled to start chemo for his recurring hormone resistant prostate cancer (metastasized to bone) in mid-Oct.
Questions: Why the Decadron instead of Prednisone? Also, did the Neulasta help with the side effects?
I hope that you are feeling better now, and that the treatment has been effective in controlling the cancer. Again, thank you for your post.
Marty

  • Sat Sep 3, 2016

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Treatment Overview

This chemotherapy regimen is commonly used to treat:

Other chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of Prostate Cancer:

See Expert Resources

The Navigating Care Library includes articles about cancer, chemotherapy regimens and drugs from the the National Cancer Institute and other experts.