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Side EffectsRelated SitesIxempra (Ixabepilone)About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by V.K. Gadi, MD
Chemotherapy Drug for Metastatic and Locally Advanced Breast CancerDefinitionIxempra is a chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer. It is used after certain other drugs have been tried and your cancer either doesnt respond, or is no longer responding to treatment. Ixempra is member of the epothilones, a new family of anticancer drugs.Also known as: Ixabepilone
Use for Breast CancerThis drug is used to treat metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer. Ixempra is prescribed only for patients whose tumors are resistant to, or no longer benefiting from anthracyclines (such as Adriamycin), taxanes (such as Taxol), and capecitabine (Xeloda).
How it WorksIxempra is part of the antineoplastic agent class of drugs. This drug slows or prevents the growth of a neoplasm, or tumor, by preventing cell division.
How Ixempra is GivenIxempra is given as an intravenous infusion into a vein or port. It can be given alone, or in conjunction with the oral drug capecitabine (Xeloda).About an hour before your infusion, you will be given premedications that reduce your chance of an allergic reaction. If you do have an allergic reaction, you can be given a steroid before your infusion. This drug is usually given once every three weeks, and infusions take about three hours each. Updated: December 3, 2007 Side Effects |
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