Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Jevtana (Cabazitaxel).
Anemia: Jevtana (Cabazitaxel) may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells, including red blood cells, in your blood.
Birth control: Men with partners who are or may become pregnant should use reliable birth control during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose, to avoid exposing the partner to Jevtana (Cabazitaxel).
Bleeding: Jevtana (Cabazitaxel) may cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will order routine blood tests to make sure potential problems are caught early.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Jevtana (Cabazitaxel) may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Jevtana (Cabazitaxel) affects you.
Heart rhythm: Jevtana (Cabazitaxel) can cause changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including an irregular heartbeat called QT prolongation. QT prolongation is a serious life-threatening condition that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems (e.g., people with heart failure, Angina, low potassium or magnesium levels), discuss with your doctor how Jevtana (Cabazitaxel) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Jevtana (Cabazitaxel), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Jevtana (Cabazitaxel) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If possible, avoid contact with people with contagious infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.
Kidney function: If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Jevtana (Cabazitaxel) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Jevtana (Cabazitaxel), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Jevtana (Cabazitaxel) to build up in the body, causing side effects. It may also cause a decrease in liver function. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Jevtana (Cabazitaxel) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Jevtana (Cabazitaxel), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Jevtana (Cabazitaxel).
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Lung problems: Jevtana (Cabazitaxel) can cause lung problems. If you experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath while you are taking Jevtana (Cabazitaxel), contact your doctor immediately.
Stomach problems: Rarely, Jevtana (Cabazitaxel), can cause perforation (holes) in the stomach or intestines. If you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, or black and tarry stools, contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: Jevtana (Cabazitaxel) may be harmful to the unborn baby if Jevtana (Cabazitaxel) is used during pregnancy. For this reason, Jevtana (Cabazitaxel) should not be used during pregnancy and a reliable form of birth control should be used. If you become pregnant while taking Jevtana (Cabazitaxel), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Jevtana (Cabazitaxel) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Jevtana (Cabazitaxel), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Jevtana (Cabazitaxel) have not been established for children under the age of 16.
Seniors: People over the age of 65 years, may be more at risk of side effects from Jevtana (Cabazitaxel).
