Oxaliplatin

Oxaliplatin  Uses

This medication is used to treat advanced cancer of the colon and rectum. Oxaliplatin is a chemotherapy drug that contains platinum. It is used to slow or stop cancer cell growth.

How to use Oxaliplatin Vial

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your health care professional before you receive oxaliplatin.

This medication is usually given by infusion into a vein over at least 2 hours by a health care professional. It is usually given every 2 weeks along with other medications (e.g., 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin). The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to therapy.

Oxaliplatin  Side Effects

Diarrhea, changes in taste, mouth sores, nosebleeds, tiredness, headache, dizziness, or trouble sleeping may occur. Nausea and vomiting may be severe in some patients. Your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Temporary hair loss may rarely occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: pain/redness/swelling at the injection site, easy or unusual bruising/bleeding, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression), signs of too much body water loss (e.g., decreased urination, increased thirst, dry mouth), muscle pain/tenderness/weakness/cramps, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), pain/redness/swelling of the arms/legs, groin/calf pain.

Oxaliplatin can sometimes affect how your nerves work (peripheral neuropathy). Tell your doctor right away if you develop: sensitivity to cold, trouble breathing/swallowing/speaking, jaw tightness, strange feeling in your tongue, eye pain, chest pressure, numbness/tingling/"pins and needles" sensation of the hands/feet/mouth/throat.

You may lessen these types of nerve problems by avoiding cold drinks and ice and by dressing warmly. Tell your doctor right away if your nerve problems begin to interfere with your normal daily activities (e.g., walking, writing, eating).

 Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: severe dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, dry cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, vision changes (such as blurred vision, temporary vision loss), seizures, sudden confusion.

This medication can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, or persistent sore throat.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Oxaliplatin  Precautions

Before using oxaliplatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other platinum-containing products (e.g., cisplatin, carboplatin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, blood disorders, bone marrow problems, nerve disorders.

Oxaliplatin may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.

The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using oxaliplatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).

Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using oxaliplatin safely.

This drug may make you dizzy or cause vision changes. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

 Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose. Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.

To lower your risk of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially diarrhea, loss of too much body water and potassium, low white blood cell count, tiredness, fainting, and QT prolongation (see above).

This medication can affect fertility in both males and females. Ask your doctor for more details.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using oxaliplatin. Oxaliplatin may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should do a pregnancy test before you start taking this medication. Women of childbearing age should ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 9 months after the last dose. Men with female partners who are pregnant or of childbearing age should ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 6 months after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant or may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

It is unknown if oxaliplatin passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug and for 3 months after the last dose is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Oxaliplatin  Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, amikacin), amphotericin B, nalidixic acid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen), tacrolimus.

Note:  We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice.

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