Ixabepilone is used to treat advanced breast cancer.

Ixabepilone is usually given after other cancer medications have been tried without successful treatment.

Ixabepilone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use ixabepilone if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to ixabepilone, or to a medication ingredient called Cremophor (synthetic castor oil). You may not be able to receive ixabepilone if you have severe liver disease, or severely low platelets or white blood cell counts.

Before you receive ixabepilone, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart disease, nerve problems, diabetes, bone marrow suppression, or a weak immune system.

Ixabepilone can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection, such as fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, or sores in your mouth and throat.

Avoid drinking alcohol during your treatment with ixabepilone.

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to ixabepilone, or to a medication ingredient called Cremophor (synthetic castor oil). You may not be able to receive ixabepilone if you have severe liver disease, or severely low platelets or white blood cell counts.

To make sure you can safely receive ixabepilone, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver disease;

• heart disease;

• nerve problems (especially in your hands or feet);

• diabetes; or

• bone marrow suppression or weak immune system.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use ixabepilone if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether ixabepilone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while receiving ixabepilone.