Docetaxel

Usual Diluents
NS, D5W,LR.
Reconstitution
Note: Multiple concentrations: Docetaxel is available as a one-vial formulation at
concentrations of 10 mg/mL (generic formulation) and 20 mg/mL (concentrate;
Taxotere, and as a lyophilized powder (Docefrez) which is reconstituted (with
provided diluent) to 20 mg/0.8 mL (20 mg vial) or 24 mg/mL (80 mg vial).
Admixture errors have occurred due to the availability of various concentrations.
Docetaxel was previously available as a two-vial formulation which included two
vials (a concentrated docetaxel vial and a diluent vial), resulting in a reconstituted
concentration of 10 mg/mL; the two-vial formulation has been discontinued by the
manufacturer.

One-vial formulations: Further dilute for infusion in 250-500 mL of NS or D5W in a

non-DEHP container (eg, glass, polypropylene, polyolefin) to a final concentration of
0.3-0.74 mg/mL. Gently rotate and invert manually to mix thoroughly; avoid shaking
or vigorous agitation. Note: For docetaxel injection concentrate 20 mg/mL
(Taxotere), use only a 21 gauge needle to withdraw docetaxel from the vial (larger
bore needles, such as 18 gauge or 19 gauge needles may cause stopper coring and
rubber precipitates).
Lyophilized powder: Dilute with the provided diluent (contains ethanol in
polysorbate 80); add 1 mL to each 20 mg vial (resulting concentration is 20 mg/0.8
mL) and 4 mL to each 80 mg vial (resulting concentration is 24 mg/mL). Shake well
to dissolve completely. If air bubbles are present, allow to stand for a few minutes
while air bubbles dissipate. Further dilute in 250 mL of NS or D5W in a non-DEHP
container (eg, glass, polypropylene, polyolefin) to a final concentration of 0.3-0.74
mg/mL (for doses >200 mg, use a larger volume of NS or D 5W, not to exceed a final
concentration of 0.74 mg/mL). Mix thoroughly by manual agitation. Solutions diluted
for infusion should be used within 4 hours of preparation, including infusion time.
Two-vial formulation (discontinued product): Vials should be diluted with 13%
(w/w) ethanol/water (provided with the drug) to a final concentration of 10 mg/mL.
Do not shake. Further dilute for infusion in 250-500 mL of NS or D5W in a nonDEHP container (eg, glass, polypropylene, polyolefin) to a final concentration of 0.30.74 mg/mL. Gently rotate to mix thoroughly. Do not use the two-vial formulation

with the one-vial formulation for the same admixture product.

Standard Dilution
[ Initial Diluted Solution
1. TAXOTERE vials should be stored between 2 and 25C (36 and 77F). If the
vials are stored under refrigeration, allow the appropriate number of vials of
TAXOTERE Injection Concentrate and diluent (13% ethanol in water for
injection) vials to stand at room temperature for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Aseptically withdraw the entire contents of the appropriate diluent vial
(approximately 1.8 mL for TAXOTERE 20 mg and approximately 7.1 mL for
TAXOTERE 80 mg) into a syringe by partially inverting the vial, and transfer
it to the appropriate vial of TAXOTERE Injection Concentrate. If the
procedure is followed as described, an initial diluted solution of 10 mg
docetaxel/mL will result.
3. Mix the initial diluted solution by repeated inversions for at least 45 seconds
to assure full mixture of the concentrate and diluent. Do not shake.
4. The initial diluted TAXOTERE solution (10 mg docetaxel/mL) should be
clear; however, there may be some foam on top of the solution due to the
polysorbate 80. Allow the solution to stand for a few minutes to allow any
foam to dissipate. It is not required that all foam dissipate prior to continuing
the preparation process.
The initial diluted solution may be used immediately or stored either in the
refrigerator or at room temperature for a maximum of 8 hours.
B. Final Dilution for Infusion
1. Aseptically withdraw the required amount of initial diluted TAXOTERE
solution (10 mg docetaxel/mL) with a calibrated syringe and inject into a 250
mL infusion bag or bottle of either 0.9% Sodium Chloride solution or 5%
Dextrose solution to produce a final concentration of 0.3 to 0.74 mg/mL.
If a dose greater than 200 mg of TAXOTERE is required, use a larger volume
of the infusion vehicle so that a concentration of 0.74 mg/mL TAXOTERE is
not exceeded.
2. Thoroughly mix the infusion by manual rotation.
3. As with all parenteral products, TAXOTERE should be inspected visually for
particulate matter or discoloration prior to administration whenever the
solution and container permit. If the TAXOTERE initial diluted solution or
final dilution for intravenous infusion is not clear or appears to have
precipitation, these should be discarded.
The final TAXOTERE dilution for infusion should be administered intravenously as a

1-hour infusion under ambient room temperature and lighting conditions.

Stability / Miscellaneous
Docetaxel 10 mg/mL: Store intact vials between 2C to 25C (36F to 77F)
(actual recommendations may vary by generic manufacturer; consult
manufacturers labeling). Protect from bright light. Freezing does not
adversely affect the product. Multi-use vials (80 mg/8 mL and 160 mg/16 mL)
are stable for up to 28 days after first entry when stored between 2C to 8C
(36F to 46F) and protected from light.
Docetaxel concentrate (Taxotere) 20 mg/mL: Store intact vials between 2C to
25C (36F to 77F). Protect from bright light. Freezing does not adversely
affect the product.
Docetaxel lyophilized powder (Docefrez): Store intact vials between 2C to
8C (36F to 46F). Protect from light. Allow vials (and provided diluent) to
stand at room temperature for 5 minutes prior to reconstitution. After
reconstitution, may be stored refrigerated or at room temperature for up to 8
hours.
Solutions diluted for infusion should be used within 4 hours of preparation,
including infusion time.
Two-vial formulation (discontinued product): Reconstituted solutions of the
two-vial formulation are stable in the vial for 8 hours at room temperature or
under refrigeration. Solutions diluted for infusion in polyolefin containers
should be used within 4 hours of preparation, including infusion time.