Oxaliplatin (Injection)

Oxaliplatin (ox-AL-i-pla-tin)

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

Brand Name(s):

Eloxatin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to oxaliplatin, platinum, or other medicines that contain platinum (such as cisplatin, Platinol®, Paraplatin®). You should not receive this medicine if you are pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and may 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• You may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting.
• If any of this medicine gets on your skin or in your eyes, nose, or mouth, tell your caregiver 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 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.
• Even after taking medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting, you may still have these problems while taking cancer medicine. Ask your doctor or nurse for other ways to help control these side effects.
• 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.
• 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
• Clumsiness, unsteadiness, trouble with normal daily activities such as writing
• Cough, shortness of breath
• Dry mouth or increased thirst, on-going or severe diarrhea or vomiting
• Feeling sensitive to cold
• Fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches
• Jaw pain, trouble talking, eye pain, pressure in your chest
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, feet, mouth, or throat
• Trouble swallowing
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

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

• Mild mouth sores, upset stomach
• Pain, redness, burning, or swelling where the needle is placed
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

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