ABRAXANE is a prescription medicine used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body after treatment with certain other medicines has not worked.

ABRAXANE for Injectable Suspension (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension) (albumin bound) is indicated for the treatment of breast cancer after failure of combination chemotherapy for metastatic disease or relapse within 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy. Prior therapy should have included an anthracycline unless clinically contraindicated.

Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Absolute neutrophil count (ANC): The total number of neutrophils (infection-fighting cells) in the body; normal levels of neutrophils range from approximately 1,500 cells/mm³ to 1,800 cells/mm³.

Albumin: Natural human protein; it is an integral transporter of nutrients within the body.

Alopecia: Loss of hair from sites all over the body.

Anemia: Decreased number of red blood cells.

Asthenia: General weakness and drowsiness.

Bradycardia: Abnormally low heart rate.

Hypersensitivity reaction: Refers to an exaggerated allergic-type response to a substance.

Hypotension: Abnormally low blood pressure.

Injection site reaction: Refers to redness, swelling, inflammation, or sores at the site where the needle is inserted and medication is administered.

Intravenous infusion: Introduction of a solution, such as various cancer therapies, into the body through a vein.

Metastatic breast cancer: Breast cancer that has spread to other sites in the body.

Mucositis (oral): Inflammation and tenderness of a mucous membrane, in this case the lining of the mouth (mouth sores).

Neutropenia: Decrease in the number of infection-fighting white blood cells (neutrophils) in your circulation; without these blood cells, your risk for serious infection increases. Infections may require hospitalization and can delay chemotherapy treatment.

Neutrophil: Specific type of white blood cell; plays a role in fighting infections.

Overall response-rate: The percentage of patients whose tumors were reduced in size as a result of treatment.

Paclitaxel: A chemotherapy agent.

Sensory neuropathy: Condition of the peripheral nerves that causes numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in the arms and legs.

Solvent: A chemical used to dissolve the active drug before it can be injected into the bloodstream.

Tumor: Abnormal growth of tissue resulting from uncontrolled multiplication of cells that serve no normal bodily function.

WARNING: ABRAXANE for Injectable Suspension (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension) (albumin-bound) should be given under the care of a doctor experienced with cancer therapy in a health care facility that is capable of managing possible complications.

ABRAXANE should not be given to patients who have dangerously low white blood counts because of the risk for serious infections. Frequent blood tests are used to check white blood cell count during therapy with ABRAXANE.

An albumin form of paclitaxel may behave differently in the body than other paclitaxel medications. ABRAXANE SHOULD NOT BE SUBSTITUTED FOR OR WITH OTHER PACLITAXEL FORMULATIONS.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

One of the more important side effects associated with chemotherapy is a decrease in the number of infectionfighting white blood cells (neutrophils) called "neutropenia". ABRAXANE should not be given to patients with dangerously low white blood cell counts because of the risk for serious infections. Your doctor will schedule blood tests to check your white blood cell count (absolute neutrophil count [ANC]) during therapy with ABRAXANE. Tell your doctor if you have a fever or notice any other signs of an infection.

Women should avoid becoming pregnant while being treated with ABRAXANE. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, if you become pregnant, or you plan to become pregnant while taking ABRAXANE. Nursing a baby while taking ABRAXANE is not recommended because the drug may be present in breast milk. Men should be advised not to father a child while receiving ABRAXANE.

ABRAXANE contains albumin a derivative of human blood.

The most important side effects have included hair loss, infections due to low white blood cell count, numbness, tingling or burning in the hands or feet, fatigue and weakness, low red blood cell count, mouth or lip sores, joint and muscle pain, stomach upset and diarrhea, heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) effects and irritation at the injection site.

Numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands and feet (neuropathy) occurs with ABRAXANE and other paclitaxel medications. Be sure to tell your doctor if you experience these symptoms. Your doctor may interrupt treatment and restart at a lower dose after symptoms improve.

Other side effects have included blurred vision or eye irritation, fluid retention, liver and kidney dysfunction, low platelet counts, dehydration, fever and allergic reactions (which in rare cases were severe). Tell your doctor about any side effects that bother you.

Your ability to drive and use machines may be limited by side effects such as: fatigue, lethargy and malaise.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

The information on this site is intended for US residents only.

ABRAXANE is a registered
trademark of Abraxis BioScience, LLC.

All Abraxis BioScience, LLC.
corporate names, names of services,
and names of products referred to herein
are trade names, service marks, and/or
trademarks that are owned by or licensed
to Abraxis BioScience, its divisions or its
affiliates, unless otherwise noted.

©2010 Abraxis BioScience, LLC.
All Rights Reserved. AB 1650 05/10

An albumin form of paclitaxel may behave differently in the body than other paclitaxel medications. ABRAXANE SHOULD NOT BE SUBSTITUTED FOR OR WITH OTHER PACLITAXEL FORMULATIONS.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

ABRAXANE contains albumin a derivative of human blood.

Your ability to drive and use machines may be limited by side effects such as: fatigue, lethargy and malaise.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

The information on this site is intended for US residents only.

ABRAXANE is a registered trademark of Abraxis BioScience, LLC. Abraxis Oncology® is a division of Abraxis BioScience, LLC.

All Abraxis BioScience, LLC. corporate names, names of services, and names of products referred to herein are trade names, service marks, and/or trademarks that are owned by or licensed to Abraxis BioScience, its divisions or its affiliates, unless otherwise noted.