Oxaliplatin
About Oxaliplatin
Oxaliplatin is a prescription cancer medication given as an injection into a vein to treat cancer of the colon or rectum. This medicine is designed to target and stop the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells in the body. It is typically prescribed either after surgery to prevent the cancer from returning, or to manage advanced stages of the disease.
This treatment is given in scheduled cycles, usually once every two weeks, to allow your body time to recover between doses. Since it is given as an intravenous infusion, you do not need to worry about taking it with food, but staying well-hydrated is crucial. Making simple lifestyle adjustments, such as eating small, frequent meals and avoiding cold foods or drinks, can significantly help manage treatment-related side effects.
Many patients experience temporary side effects during treatment, including tiredness, nausea, and a unique sensitivity to cold temperatures. However, you must consult your doctor immediately if you experience serious symptoms such as severe numbness in your hands or feet, difficulty breathing, or signs of an infection like a fever.
Before starting therapy, talk to your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease, nerve disorders, or heart conditions. Do not take this medicine if you have previously had a severe allergic reaction to similar platinum-based chemotherapy drugs.
This medicine can interact with other drugs that affect your kidneys or heart rhythm, as well as alcohol, which can worsen liver stress and dehydration. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy, consult your doctor immediately, as this medicine can cause harm to a developing baby; elderly patients should also be closely monitored.
Uses of Oxaliplatin
Medicinal Benefits
When used as prescribed, Oxaliplatin offers several important benefits in the treatment of cancer.
- Reduces the risk of cancer recurrence: After surgery, Oxaliplatin helps destroy microscopic cancer cells that may remain in the body, lowering the risk of the cancer returning.
- Slows tumour growth: In patients with advanced or metastatic cancer, this medicine helps slow the growth and spread of cancer cells, helping keep the disease under control.
- Helps shrink tumours: By reducing tumour size in some patients, Oxaliplatin may relieve cancer-related symptoms caused by pressure on surrounding tissues or organs.
- Supports quality of life: By controlling cancer progression and reducing tumour-related symptoms, this medicine may help improve comfort and enable many patients to maintain their daily activities for longer.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Oxaliplatin will be administered by a nurse or doctor.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Oxaliplatin
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
- Extreme tiredness or fatigue
- Temporary numbness, tingling, or increased sensitivity to cold in the hands, feet, or throat
- Diarrhoea or mild stomach pain
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing
- Fever, chills, or other signs of infection (due to low white blood cell counts)
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or sudden shortness of breath
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inspect the infusion setup: Before the infusion starts, ensure the liquid in the bag is clear and free of particles. If you notice any cloudiness or floating particles, point it out to your nurse immediately.
- Report infusion site pain: Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you feel pain, burning, redness, or swelling around the injection site during the infusion, as the medicine can damage surrounding tissues if it leaks out of the vein.
- Avoid cold air and drafts: Wear a scarf over your mouth and nose if you must go outside in cold weather immediately after your infusion to avoid throat spasms.
- Monitor your temperature: Keep a thermometer at home and check your temperature if you feel unwell; contact your clinic immediately if you develop a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
- Use reliable birth control: Both men and women should use highly effective birth control during treatment and for several months after the final dose to prevent pregnancy.
Drug Interactions
- Medicines that harm the kidneys: Taking drugs like certain strong antibiotics (aminoglycosides) or water pills (loop diuretics) along with Oxaliplatin may increase the risk of kidney damage.
- Blood thinners: Combining this medicine with drugs that prevent blood clots, such as warfarin or aspirin, may increase your risk of serious bleeding.
- Medicines that affect heart rhythm: Medications that prolong the QT interval can increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythms when used alongside Oxaliplatin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol affects Oxaliplatin. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeOxaliplatin may cause foetal harm. Therefore, avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with Oxaliplatin.
Breast Feeding
unsafeBreastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Oxaliplatin and for three months after the last dose.
Driving
cautionOxaliplatin may cause dizziness or vision problems. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience any side effects that might lessen your ability to do so.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Oxaliplatin.
Kidney
cautionOxaliplatin should not be used if you have severe kidney disease. If you have mild or moderate kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Oxaliplatin.
Children
unsafeOxaliplatin is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid cold foods and drinks: Because this medicine causes temporary, extreme sensitivity to cold, avoid drinking ice-cold liquids, eating cold foods, or inhaling cold air during and immediately after your treatment. Use a straw if you must drink cool liquids, and wear gloves when handling items from the refrigerator.
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of room-temperature fluids, such as water or warm broths, to help your kidneys flush the medicine out of your system and prevent dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea.
- Eat soft, bland foods: To manage nausea or mouth sores, eat small, frequent meals consisting of soft, non-spicy, and non-acidic foods.
- Protect your skin and stay warm: Wear warm clothing, including socks and gloves, especially in air-conditioned environments or during cold weather, to prevent nerve tingling or muscle spasms.
Special Advise
- Women must use reliable contraception during treatment and for nine months after receiving the last dose.
- Male patients are advised not to father a child during treatment and for six months after the last dose. Use effective contraception during this time.
- If you are due to undergo any surgery, including dental surgery, inform the doctor/dentist that you are on treatment with Oxaliplatin.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything that is colder than room temperature for five days after receiving each dose of Oxaliplatin. To reduce side effects caused by cold temperature-cover yourself with a blanket while getting treatment with Oxaliplatin, wear warm clothing in cold weather at all times, cover your mouth and nose with a scarf and wear gloves whilst touching cold objects. Drink fluid at room/warm temperature and always drink through a straw. Avoid using ice and AC, touching cold metals, and breathing deeply when exposed to cold air.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Colon and rectal cancer: It is a cancer of the colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer is the growth of cells that form in the lower end of the digestive tract. Most of these cancers begin as polyps (non-cancerous growths). Symptoms may include abdominal discomfort, blood in the stool, and changes in bowel habits like constipation or diarrhoea.
FAQs
Oxaliplatin is used to treat Colon and rectal cancer.
Oxaliplatin works by killing the cancer cells. Thereby, it helps treat cancer.
Oxaliplatin may have an anti-fertility effect, which could be irreversible. Therefore, male patients should seek medical advice on the conservation of sperm prior to treatment with Oxaliplatin.
Avoid drinking or eating anything colder than room temperature. Do not touch any cold objects, wash your hands in cold water, go near air conditioners or freezers, or go outside in cold weather unless absolutely necessary for five days after you receive each dose of Oxaliplatin. Wear a hat, gloves, and a scarf, and cover your mouth and nose if you must go outside in cold weather.
Oxaliplatin may decrease the ability to fight infections due to reduced white blood cells. Stay away from sick people during treatment with Oxaliplatin.
Oxaliplatin is administered to you through an intravenous (IV) infusion. A healthcare professional usually gives it in a clinical setting.
The common side effects of Oxaliplatin are mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, back pain, and stomach pain. However, these symptoms vanish as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms become worse, please consult a doctor for relief.
This medicine temporarily affects the nerves in your body, particularly when they are exposed to low temperatures. This can cause sudden tingling, numbness, or muscle spasms in your hands, feet, or throat. This sensitivity usually improves a few days after each infusion. Talk to your doctor if this symptom becomes severe or does not go away.
This medicine can cause side effects like dizziness, vision changes, or extreme tiredness, which may affect your ability to drive safely. It is highly recommended to arrange for someone else to drive you home after your appointment. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have concerns about getting home safely.
Hair thinning or hair loss can occur with this treatment, although it is usually mild compared to other chemotherapy drugs. In most cases, your hair will grow back after the treatment is completed. Talk to your doctor or nurse for tips on managing hair changes.
You should avoid getting 'live' vaccines during your treatment, as your immune system will be weakened and you could develop an infection from the vaccine. Always consult your healthcare provider before scheduling any vaccinations. Talk to your doctor to determine which vaccines are safe for you.
A fever can be a sign of a serious infection, which requires immediate medical attention because this medicine lowers your white blood cell count. Contact your healthcare team or go to the nearest emergency room immediately if your temperature rises to 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Talk to your doctor for guidance on monitoring infections.
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