Skip Navigation
Mortar_and_pestel

Regimen Information

For AC followed by Taxotere, including Side Effects

AC followed by Taxotere

Drugs in this Regimen:

For the treatment of Breast Cancer

How AC followed by Taxotere chemotherapy is given and possible side effects.

AC followed by Taxotere for the treatment of Breast Cancer

AC followed by Taxotere is the acronym for a chemotherapy regimen used in the treatment of breast cancer.

DRUGS IN THE AC FOLLOWED BY TAXOTERE REGIMEN

A

= Doxorubicin Hydrochloride (Adriamycin)

C

= Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

T

= Taxotere (Docetaxel)

Chemotherapy is often given as a combination of drugs. Combinations usually work better than single drugs because different drugs kill cancer cells in different ways.

MOST COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF AC FOLLOWED BY TAXOTERE

  • Infection

  • Mouth Sores

  • Nausea & Vomiting

  • Neuropathy

  • Alopecia or Hair Loss

For more information, see the 'Expert Resources' tab below.

Community Responses

Often, the most helpful information regarding treatment side effects comes not from clinical brochures, but rather from other patients like you. We've collected the most helpful community resources to help you prepare for the side effects and coping tips for your chemotherapy regimen.

What side effects did you experience while on this medication?

Hi, I'm Flotin4

In the days following my 1st infusion I had nausea and terrible headaches. They administered the drug that caused my headaches over a hour period instead of 30 minutes, that really helped my headaches. I drank apple juice and ate cheese or peanut butter crackers during the infusions…no mouth sores yet. I ate cabbage, chinese chicken & broccoli and cantaloupe & watermelons most of the time, and drank tea, juices & tons of water. All these eased my nausea and I usually only took the meds for 2 days after the infusion…maybe I was just lucky in this way. No constipation or diarrhea issues. Now I’m getting ready to start Taxotere every 3 weeks for 4 doses…I hope God smiles on me thru this part also.

  • Tue Mar 4, 2014

Ice chewing during infusions of AC…not one mouth sore.

Acupuncture saved my life when my appetite was failing. One treatment, and it started to come back.
http://sisterearthorganics.wordpress.com/2010/11/20/dont-pin-me-down-my-acupuncture-experience/

  • Thu Nov 8, 2012

This discussion needs your voice!

What were the specific side effects that you experienced while taking this medication? How did you manage them?

What coping tips would you give to new patients on this regimen?

Hi, I'm Flotin4

In the days following my 1st infusion I had nausea and terrible headaches. They administered the drug that caused my headaches over a hour period instead of 30 minutes, that really helped my headaches. I drank apple juice and ate cheese or peanut butter crackers during the infusions…no mouth sores yet. I ate cabbage, chinese chicken & broccoli and cantaloupe & watermelons most of the time, and drank tea, juices & tons of water. All these eased my nausea and I usually only took the meds for 2 days after the infusion…maybe I was just lucky in this way. No constipation or diarrhea issues. Now I’m getting ready to start Taxotere every 3 weeks for 4 doses…I hope God smiles on me thru this part also.

  • Tue Mar 4, 2014

This discussion needs your voice!

What do you wish you had known before taking this medication? What information would you like to pass on to patients who are beginning this medication?

Treatment Overview

This chemotherapy regimen is commonly used to treat:

See Expert Resources

The Navigating Care Library includes articles about cancer, chemotherapy regimens and drugs from the the National Cancer Institute and other experts.