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Regimen Information

For TAC, including Side Effects

TAC

Drugs in this Regimen:

For the treatment of Breast Cancer

How TAC chemotherapy is given and possible side effects.

TAC for the treatment of Breast Cancer

TAC is the acronym for a chemotherapy regimen used in the treatment of breast cancer.

Drugs in the TAC Regimen:

T = Taxotere (docetaxel)

A = Adriamycin (doxorubicin)

C = Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)

MOST COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF TAC

  • Risk of Infection

  • Fluid Retention

  • Nausea & Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

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?

The following have been voted the 3 most helpful responses to this question.

Hi, I'm Patricia B.

I just got the 1st round – only taxotere and cyclophosphamide. I am on day 3 and just feel very weak and tired. Also the diarrhea has kicked in. So I’m just trying to decide what drugs to take for what side effects. Also had the bone pain, but the Anaprox/claritin/omeprazole seems to help that. For some reason I’m getting hot flashes, too. The diarrhea is probably the worse. So for today I’m going to drink lots of fluids and try to stay hydrated.

  • Sun May 10, 2015
Hi, I'm Debbie M

Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, diarhea combined with constipation the 1st few days after treatment. Weight loss, insomnia and fatigue.
I would be fine the 1st day of treatment and then be sick for 5 days. After 2 treatments you can gage when when your bad days are and when you will have good days. I developed mouth sores in midway through treatment and was halucinating towards the end of my last 2 treatments.
I loved coffee but did not have a taste for it or want it during treatment. Soup was always soothing.
There will be certain food smells that you will not be able to tolerate,yes like when you were pregant.
Soup was always soothing. It was a countdown for me after each treatment of when I would be done. I miss my hair but that will grow back. The goal is to get well and stay strong and positive.

  • Wed Oct 2, 2013
Hi, I'm lcrispien

I had extreme fatigue, headache for 10 days, stomach ache, constipation, loss of appetite, loss of thirst, bone pain. I had nausea initially but it was well controlled by Zofran. For headache all I could take was Tylenol as I am anemic and bleed easily so I couldn’t take anything with aspirin. I took fiber gummy’s for the constipation and it worked well. I lost 8 lbs before I got my appetite back, which is okay, as I’m on the heavier side. I have decided that is good that I am on the heavy side, and even if I lost 8lbs with every chemo, I should be at a good weight still when I am done.

  • Thu Aug 8, 2013
Hi, I'm Debbie M

Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, diarhea combined with constipation the 1st few days after treatment. Weight loss, insomnia and fatigue.
I would be fine the 1st day of treatment and then be sick for 5 days. After 2 treatments you can gage when when your bad days are and when you will have good days. I developed mouth sores in midway through treatment and was halucinating towards the end of my last 2 treatments.
I loved coffee but did not have a taste for it or want it during treatment. Soup was always soothing.
There will be certain food smells that you will not be able to tolerate,yes like when you were pregant.
Soup was always soothing. It was a countdown for me after each treatment of when I would be done. I miss my hair but that will grow back. The goal is to get well and stay strong and positive.

  • Wed Oct 2, 2013
Hi, I'm Patricia B.

I just got the 1st round – only taxotere and cyclophosphamide. I am on day 3 and just feel very weak and tired. Also the diarrhea has kicked in. So I’m just trying to decide what drugs to take for what side effects. Also had the bone pain, but the Anaprox/claritin/omeprazole seems to help that. For some reason I’m getting hot flashes, too. The diarrhea is probably the worse. So for today I’m going to drink lots of fluids and try to stay hydrated.

  • Sun May 10, 2015

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?

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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.