Cabazitaxel
Cabazitaxel is an antineoplastic chemotherapy agent classified as a microtubule inhibitor used to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. It works by binding to tubulin, stabilizing microtubules, and preventing their disassembly, which halts cell division and leads to cancer cell death. This medication is typically administered after patients have progressed on docetaxel therapy.
Cabazitaxel is a chemotherapy drug that stabilizes microtubules to inhibit cancer cell division, used for advanced prostate cancer following prior docetaxel treatment.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01CD04
- RxNorm
- 996051
- Generic
- Cabazitaxel
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Jevtana
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid use
cabazitaxel is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential for fetal harm and embryotoxicity
regular fetal monitoring and pregnancy testing prior to treatment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid use
cabazitaxel is contraindicated during pregnancy unless benefits clearly outweigh risks
fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid use
avoid use near term due to risk of preterm labor and fetal harm
fetal monitoring and assessment of uterine activity
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
not recommendeddiscontinue breastfeeding
cabazitaxel should not be administered to nursing mothers due to potential for severe adverse reactions in nursing infants
monitor infant for signs of toxicity
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot indicated
cabazitaxel is not approved for use in pediatric populations - safety and efficacy not established
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 yearsno specific dose adjustment required
no dose adjustment required for patients 65 years and older; however, monitor closely for adverse reactions including myelosuppression, nausea, and fatigue
close monitoring of blood counts and adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno dose adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-80 mL/min)
monitor renal function periodically
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
use cabazitaxel with caution in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min) - monitor closely for adverse effects
frequent monitoring of renal function and blood counts
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno standard dose reduction
cabazitaxel should be used with caution in patients with mild hepatic impairment (AST/ALT less than 1.5x ULN); no specific dose reduction established
monitor liver function tests and for signs of hepatotoxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderatereduce dose to 20 mg/m2
in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (AST or ALT 1.5 to 3x ULN), reduce starting dose to 20 mg/m2; avoid use if bilirubin greater than 1x ULN
frequent monitoring of liver function and blood counts
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid use
cabazitaxel is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (bilirubin greater than 1.5x ULN, or AST/ALT greater than 3x ULN)
not applicable - avoid use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
Drug class
Antineoplastic agent classification
Common uses
Approved therapeutic indication
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism
Treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in patients previously treated with a docetaxel-containing regimen. It is used when the cancer has progressed despite androgen deprivation therapy.
Cabazitaxel binds to tubulin and promotes its assembly into microtubules while simultaneously inhibiting disassembly. This stabilization of microtubules prevents the dynamic reorganization needed for cell division, thereby inhibiting both mitotic and interphase cellular functions, leading to apoptosis of rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Requires pre-medication with antihistamines and corticosteroids to reduce hypersensitivity reactions. Regular monitoring of blood counts is essential due to risk of severe neutropenia. Contraindicated in patients with severe hypersensitivity to cabazitaxel or to drugs containing polysorbate 80. Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Infusion reactions can occur during or shortly after administration.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy