What is Oxaliplatin?

Oxaliplatin (ox-AL-i-pla-tin) belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics. It is used to treat cancer of the colon or rectum. Oxaliplatin is usually given along with other medicines to treat cancer.

Oxaliplatin 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 healthcare professional. 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 healthcare professional the possible side effects of this medicine as well as the good it can do.

How does Oxaliplatin work?

Oxaliplatin is a chemotherapy drug that is given as a treatment for some types of cancer. It is most commonly used to treat cancer of the large bowel. Oxaliplatin is often given in combination with other chemotherapy drugs such as 5FU or capecitabine.

Oxaliplatin mode of action

How it is givenOxaliplatin may be given: by injection into a vein (intravenously), through a fine tube (cannula) inserted into the vein. through a central line which is inserted under the skin into a vein near the collarbone, or into a PICC line which is inserted into a vein in the crook of the arm.

Oxaliplatin side effects

Abnormal tongue sensation;  black, tarry stools;  bleeding gums;  blood in urine or stools;  blistering, peeling, redness, and/or swelling of palms of hands or bottoms of feet;  burning, prickling, itching, or tingling of skin;  chest pain;  chills;  confusion ;  cough;  decreased feeling, or pain in the hands, feet, around mouth, or throat;  decreased urination;  difficult breathing;  difficulty in articulating words;  difficulty in moving;  difficulty performing daily activities such as writing, buttoning, swallowing or walking;  difficulty swallowing;  dizziness;  dry mouth;  eye pain;  fainting ;  fever;  increase in heart rate;  jaw spasm;  lightheadedness ;  muscle pain or stiffness;  numbness;  numbness, pain, tingling, or unusual sensations in palms of hands or bottoms of feet;  pain in chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves;  pain in joints ;  painful or difficult urination;  pale skin;  pinpoint red spots on skin;  rapid breathing;  sensation of pins and needles;  severe, sudden headache;  shortness of breath;  slurred speech;  sore throat;  sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth;  stabbing pain;  sudden loss of coordination;  sudden, severe weakness or numbness in arm or leg;  sudden, unexplained shortness of breath;  sunken eyes;  swelling;  swelling or inflammation of the mouth;  swollen glands;  thirst;  troubled breathing with exertion;  unusual bleeding or bruising;  unusual tiredness or weakness;  vision changes;  wrinkled skin 

Oxaliplatin Special Conditions To Observe

Pregnancy? Oxaliplatin has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that oxaliplatin causes miscarriages, decreased weight or death of the fetus, and problems with bone formation. Be sure that you have discussed this with your healthcare professional before taking this medicine. Tell your healthcare professional right away if you think you have become pregnant while taking oxaliplatin.

Breast-feeding? It is not known whether oxaliplatin passes into human breast milk. Tell your healthcare professional if you are breast-feeding or if you intend to breast-feed during treatment with this medicine. Because oxaliplatin may cause serious side effects in the nursing infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while you are taking the medicine.

Disclaimer:

Information on this page is provided for general information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment decision based on information contained in this page without consulting other references including the package insert of the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any erroneous information contained on this page.