Oxaliplatin (Injection)

Introduction:

Oxaliplatin (ox-al-i-PLA-tin)

Treats cancer of the colon or rectum when given with other medicines.

Brand Name(s):

Eloxatin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

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 exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• 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 to treat cancer. This combination of medicines is usually given for 2 days in a row. This 2-day treatment is given again every 14 days until your body responds to the medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• 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.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or other medicines to treat cancer.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or nerve problems.
• This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have chills; fever; hives; hoarseness; itching; rash; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after you get the injection.
• This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
• Avoid cold temperatures and cold objects. Cold may cause or worsen some of the common side effects of this medicine. Do not use ice or drink cold beverages. Always wear gloves when touching anything cold, including metal or items in your refrigerator and freezer. Cover your skin, nose, and mouth if you must go outside in cold weather. You may need to wear long sleeves and pants if you are inside an air-conditioned car or room.
• Check with your doctor right away if you start coughing, having shortness of breath, or any problems with breathing. These may be signs of a serious lung disease.
• This medicine may cause blurred vision or other vision problems. If any of these occur, do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not able to see well. If these reactions are especially bothersome, check with your doctor.
• Cancer medicines can cause nausea and/or vomiting in most people, sometimes even after receiving medicines to prevent it. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these side effects.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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.
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Clumsiness, unsteadiness, or trouble with normal daily activities such as writing.
• Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching.
• Dry cough, noisy breathing, or shortness of breath.
• Dry mouth or increased thirst, muscle cramps, ongoing or severe diarrhea or vomiting.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, feet, mouth, or throat.
• Pain, redness, burning, swelling, or skin changes where the needle is placed.
• Seizures or tremors.
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, hearing, speech, or walking.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

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

• Anxiety, depression, or trouble sleeping.
• Constipation, stomach pain or upset, or loss of appetite.
• Feeling sensitive to cold objects or cold temperatures.
• Hair loss, mild skin problems, or increased sweating.
• Jaw pain or tightness, trouble swallowing.
• Joint pain or muscle weakness.
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat.
• Tiredness.
• Unusual taste in your mouth.
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.
• Weight changes.

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