Medications and Drugs

1. Breast Cancer Slideshow Pictures
2. Pancreatic Cancer Slideshow Pictures
3. Skin Cancer Slideshow Pictures

Brand Names: Ixempra

Generic Name: ixabepilone (Pronunciation: IX ab EP i lone)

• What is ixabepilone (Ixempra)?
• What are the possible side effects of ixabepilone (Ixempra)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ixabepilone (Ixempra)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving ixabepilone (Ixempra)?
• How is ixabepilone given (Ixempra)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Ixempra)?
• What happens if I overdose (Ixempra)?
• What should I avoid while receiving ixabepilone (Ixempra)?
• What other drugs will affect ixabepilone (Ixempra)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is ixabepilone (Ixempra)?

Ixabepilone is used to treat advanced breast cancer.

Ixabepilone is usually given after other cancer medications have been tried without successful treatment.

Ixabepilone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of ixabepilone (Ixempra)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; warmth or tingly feeling; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• numbness, tingling, burning pain, discomfort, or loss of feeling anywhere in your body;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• chest pain or heavy feeling; or
• redness, swelling, and pain on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet.

Less serious side effects include:

• tired feeling;
• joint or muscle pain;
• hair loss;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• diarrhea or constipation; or
• problems with your fingernails or toenails.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about ixabepilone (Ixempra)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to ixabepilone, or to a medication ingredient called Cremophor (synthetic castor oil). You may not be able to receive ixabepilone if you have severe liver disease, or severely low platelets or white blood cell counts.

Before you receive ixabepilone, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart disease, nerve problems, diabetes, bone marrow suppression, or a weak immune system.

Ixabepilone can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection, such as fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, or sores in your mouth and throat.

Avoid drinking alcohol during your treatment with ixabepilone.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.