Jevtana

Pronunciation: ca-BA-zi-TAX-el
Generic Name: Cabazitaxel
Brand Name: Jevtana

Low white blood cell levels have been reported in patients using Jevtana. This has resulted in severe and sometimes fatal side effects (eg, infection). Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, will be monitored while you use Jevtana. Patients with low levels of a certain type of white blood cell (neutrophils) should not use Jevtana. Contact your doctor right away if you experience symptoms of infection (eg, fever, chills, sore throat, cough, frequent or painful urination, muscle aches).

Severe and sometimes fatal allergic reactions have occurred with the use of Jevtana. Seek medical care at once if you experience fainting; a rash; reddening of the skin; swelling of the mouth, face, or tongue; severe dizziness; wheezing; or trouble breathing. You will receive other medicines before your dose of Jevtana to help decrease the chance of an allergic reaction. Patients who have had an allergic reaction to Jevtana or to other medicines that contain polysorbate 80 should not use Jevtana.

Severe fluid retention may occur with the use of Jevtana. Contact your doctor right away if you experience swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; sudden, unusual weight gain; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness; fast or irregular heartbeat; or stomach swelling.

Jevtana is used for:

Treating prostate cancer in certain patients. It is used along with prednisone. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Jevtana is an antineoplastic agent. It works by stopping the growth and reproduction of cancer cells in the body.

Do NOT use Jevtana if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Jevtana


• you are allergic to other medicines that contain polysorbate 80


• you have severe liver problems


• you have low levels of a certain type of white blood cell (neutrophils)


• you are taking certain azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole), carbamazepine, clarithromycin, an HIV protease inhibitor (eg, atazanavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir), nefazodone, palifermin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, a rifamycin (eg, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine), St. John's wort, or telithromycin

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Jevtana:

Some medical conditions may interact with Jevtana. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have a history of liver problems, kidney problems, stomach or bowel problems, long-term infection, or infection that keeps coming back


• if you have an infection, bone marrow problems, a weakened immune system, low white blood cell count, or you are dehydrated

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Jevtana. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole), macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin, clarithromycin), HIV protease inhibitors (eg, atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir), nefazodone, nifedipine, or telithromycin because they may increase the risk of Jevtana's side effects


• Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, a rifamycin (eg, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine), or St. John's wort because they may decrease Jevtana's effectiveness


• Palifermin because it may increase the risk of mouth sores or inflammation

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Jevtana may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Jevtana:

Use Jevtana as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Jevtana. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.


• Jevtana is given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.


• You will receive certain other medicines at least 30 minutes before each treatment with Jevtana. This will help decrease the chance of having an allergic reaction to Jevtana. Discuss any questions with your doctor.


• Jevtana is used along with another medicine (prednisone). It is important to take the prednisone as recommended by your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have missed a dose of prednisone or if you have not taken it as prescribed.


• If Jevtana comes into contact with your skin, wash it off right away with soap and water.


• If Jevtana comes into contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth, wash right away with cool water.


• If you miss a dose of Jevtana, contact your doctor right away.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Jevtana.

Important safety information:

• Jevtana may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Jevtana with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• Jevtana may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Take your temperature on a regular basis. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.


• Jevtana may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.


• Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop joint pain. They may be able to suggest ways to make you more comfortable.


• If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, you will need to take care not to become dehydrated. Contact your doctor for instructions.


• Severe diarrhea and vomiting may occur with Jevtana. If not treated, this may cause severe and sometimes fatal fluid and electrolyte (eg, potassium, sodium) problems. Contact your doctor if you have severe diarrhea or vomiting. You may need to take an anti-diarrhea medicine, an anti-nausea medicine, fluids, or electrolyte replacements.


• Jevtana may cause severe and sometimes fatal kidney problems. Tell your doctor right away if you experience symptoms of kidney problems (eg, decreased amount of urine produced, swelling of the face or body).


• Do not receive a live vaccine (eg, measles, mumps) while you are taking Jevtana. Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine.


• Women who are able to become pregnant should use an effective form of birth control while using Jevtana. Discuss with your doctor any questions you may have about effective birth control.


• Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts and platelet counts, may be performed while you use Jevtana. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• Use Jevtana with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially low white blood cell levels, dehydration, dizziness, fatigue, fever, increased or painful urination, or weakness.


• Jevtana should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Jevtana may cause harm to the fetus. Do not become pregnant while you are using it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Jevtana while you are pregnant. It is not known if Jevtana is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Jevtana.

Possible side effects of Jevtana:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Back pain; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; fatigue; hair loss; indigestion; joint pain; loss of appetite; mild pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; mild weight loss; muscle spasms; nausea; numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands or feet; taste changes; stomach pain; vomiting; weakness or tiredness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in the urine; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; mouth sores or inflammation; severe or persistent dizziness or headache; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain; severe or persistent weakness or tiredness; severe or persistent weight loss; shortness of breath; symptoms of bleeding in the brain (eg, confusion, one-sided weakness, vision problems, slurred speech); symptoms of dehydration (eg, very dry skin, mouth, or eyes; weakness; increased thirst; fast or irregular heartbeat); symptoms of infection (eg, fever, chills, sore throat, cough, increased or painful urination, muscle aches, swollen lymph glands); symptoms of kidney problems (eg, decreased amount of urine produced; swelling of the face, hands, feet, ankles, or other parts of the body); unusual bruising or bleeding; wheezing.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Jevtana side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include fever, chills, sore throat, or cough; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; unusual bruising or bleeding.

Proper storage of Jevtana:

Jevtana is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Jevtana at home, store Jevtana as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Jevtana out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Jevtana, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Jevtana is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Jevtana. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Jevtana resources

• Jevtana Side Effects (in more detail)
• Jevtana Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Jevtana Drug Interactions
• Jevtana Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Jevtana - Add your own review/rating

• Jevtana Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Jevtana Consumer Overview


• Jevtana Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Jevtana Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Cabazitaxel Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

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