Paclitaxel
Paclitaxel is a natural (though quite toxic) substance derived from the yew tree by taking a naturally present substance from the tree and chemically altering it to form the drug. The resultant drug is administered intravenously. It is used as a chemotherapy drug to treat people with a wide variety of cancers.
Note: Many of the interactions described below, in the text and in the Summary of Interactions, have been reported only for specific chemotherapeutic drugs, and may not apply to other chemotherapeutic drugs. There are many unknowns concerning interactions of nutrients, herbs, and chemotherapy drugs. People receiving chemotherapy who wish to supplement with vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other natural substances should always consult a physician.
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods
 May Be Beneficial: Depletion or interference—This medication may deplete these substances from the body or interfere with how they work; extra intake may help replenish them. | Multiple nutrients* Taurine* |
| May Be Beneficial: Side effect reduction and/or prevention—These substances may help reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication.
| Acetyl-L-Carnitine Beta-Carotene* Chamomile* Eleuthero* Ginger* Glutamine* N-Acetyl Cysteine* Spleen Extracts* Thymus Extracts* Vitamin E* |
| May Be Beneficial: Supportive interaction—These substances may help this medication work better. | Anti-oxidants* Milk Thistle* PSK* |
 Avoid: Reduces drug effectiveness—When taking this medication, avoid these substances as they may decrease the medication's absorption and/or activity in the body. | none |
| Avoid: Adverse interaction—When taking this medication, avoid these substances, as the combination may cause undesirable or dangerous interactions. | none |
 Check: Explanation needed—When taking this medication, read the article details and discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these substances. | Melatonin Echinacea* Multivitamin* Vitamin A* Vitamin C* |
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.
