An infusion of paclitaxel (Taxol) may be associated with an acute pain syndrome (APS).
NOTE: Paclitaxel infusions may also be associated with a hypersensitivity reaction (see 32.29.09). A patient receiving paclitaxel may also develop a subacute or chronic condition with arthralgias and myalgias.
Features of the infusion-related acute pain syndrome:
(1) It may occur during the first infusion and/or subsequent ones.
(2) Pain may be severe (with pain scores up to 10 out of 10 on a VAS), requiring nonopioid or opioid analgesics to control.
(3) Sensory symptoms such as numbness and tingling tend to predominate.
(4) Symptoms usually peak 3 days after the infusion and then resolve over the next week.
(5) The prevelance is low if the drug is infused slowly over 4 days (96 hours).
(6) A patient who develops the acute pain syndrome is more likely to develop a chronic neuropathy.
The syndrome appears to be due to toxic effects of the drug on peripheral nerves.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
