Oxaliplatin (By injection)

ox-al-i-PLA-tin

Treats cancer of the colon or rectum.

Drug classes

Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Oxaliplatin injection is given along with other medicines to treat advanced cancer of the colon or rectum. It is also used to treat severe colon cancer in patients who have had a surgery.

Oxaliplatin belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal cells may also be affected by the medicine, other effects may also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may occur after treatment with oxaliplatin has been stopped. Be sure that you have discussed with your doctor the possible side effects of this medicine as well as the benefits it can do.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, oxaliplatin is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:

Colon cancer, stage II, adjuvant treatment in combination with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin.

Gastric carcinoma, advanced or metastatic.

Metastatic colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum that has spread to other areas of the body), first-line therapy, in combination with bevacizumab and capecitabine.

Metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (cancer of the pancreas that has spread to other areas of the body), first-line treatment, in combination with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

If any of this medicine gets on your skin or in your eyes, nose, or mouth, tell your doctor or nurse right away.

Oxaliplatin is usually used with other medicines. This combination of medicines is usually given for 2 days, but you will receive oxaliplatin on day 1 only.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some foods and medicines can affect how oxaliplatin works. Tell your doctor if you are using medicine to treat heart rhythm problems.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to oxaliplatin or other platinum medicine, or if you are pregnant.

Warnings

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, an infection, or problems with your nervous system.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Severe allergic reaction, which could be fatal Neutropenia (low white blood cell counts) Lung disease Liver damage Heart rhythm problems (such as QT prolongation, ventricular arrhythmia) Rhabdomyolysis (muscle damage)

This medicine may cause neuropathy, which often bothers the nerves in your hands, feet, mouth, and throat. The nerve problems could interfere with everyday tasks, such as buttoning a shirt, walking, or writing. Cold may make these problems worse. Avoid cold temperatures. Do not use ice or drink cold beverages. Always wear gloves when you touch anything cold. Cover your skin, nose, and mouth if you must go outside in cold weather. Wear long sleeves and more clothing if air-conditioning bothers you.

This medicine may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or other vision problems. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Confusion, seizure

Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

Dry cough, noisy breathing, or trouble breathing

Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches

Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness

Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, feet, mouth, or throat

Trouble swallowing, chest pressure, trouble walking, clumsiness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Blurred vision or vision changes

Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite

Feeling sensitive to cold

Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

Pain, redness, burning, swelling, or skin changes where the needle was placed

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Eloxatin

There may be other brand names for this medicine.