Study of adverse reactions to paclitaxel in patients with breast cancer in a reference hospital

Abstract

o study the adverse reactions observed in patients with breast cancer in treatment with Paclitaxel. Observational, prospective and quantitative type of study, with 24 users with non-metastatic breast cancer treated with Paclitaxel, at a reference hospital in cancer in Fortaleza-Ceará. The variables used were: social profile; dose of the medicine for body surface; infusion speed; suspect of adverse reaction immediate and late. Data were analyzed with the statistical program Epi Info version 3.5.4. The middle age was of 51.2 years (± 13 years). It was observed that the first pregnancy of 62.5% of patients occurred until their 30 years; that 70.8% breastfed for at least six months; that 58.3% stated have not used oral contraceptive; and that 58.3% had diagnosis of cancer between six months and a year before treatment. Presented adverse reactions to infusion of Paclitaxel 12.5% of patients, 71.4% of whom described in bula, 66.6% classified as moderate and 71.4% as likely to occurs, and all evolved with recovery. Patients (87.5%) reported bitter mouth, headache constipation, and abdominal pain, late adverse reactions, some not described in the drug labeling. The disease incidence was observed even in users who did not use contraceptives and breastfed, protected, according to the literature, against the occurrence of breast cancer. Ocular hyperemia and bitter mouth, new adverse reactions identified, stimulate the investigation of adverse events.