Oxaliplatin

• It is used in the management of advanced colon and rectal cancer.

When should one not use Oxaliplatin

• Oxaliplatin is contraindicated in patients with:
• A history of hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to oxaliplatin or other platinum-containing medicines (such as cisplatin or carboplatin)
• Known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in the medicine

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
• Peripheral sensory neuropathy (tingling, numbness, or discomfort in hands, feet, or around the mouth, often triggered by cold)
• Tiredness (fatigue) and weakness
• Low blood cell counts noted on blood tests (low white cells, platelets, or red cells)
• Loss of appetite
• Mouth sores (stomatitis)
• Raised liver enzymes on blood tests
• Fever, chills
• Injection/infusion site reactions
• Cough, shortness of breath
• Taste changes
• Indigestion, abdominal discomfort
• Hair thinning
• Fever, chills, or other signs of infection; unusual bruising or bleeding
• Severe or persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness that interferes with daily activities (such as buttoning clothes or writing)
• Sudden difficulty breathing, throat tightness, or jaw spasm, particularly after exposure to cold.
• Severe or persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, or signs of dehydration
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or unusual stomach pain
• Unusual bleeding, black or bloody stools.
• Persistent cough, new or worsening breathlessness, or crackling breath sounds (possible lung problem such as pulmonary fibrosis, which can be serious)
• Fainting, dizziness, or a racing or irregular heartbeat (possible heart rhythm problem)
• Rapidly worsening tiredness or paleness together with reduced urination or swelling (possible signs of a rare blood/kidney complication requiring urgent evaluation)
• Severe, unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine (possible muscle breakdown)

Other General Warnings

• If you have a history of allergic reaction to oxaliplatin or other platinum-based chemotherapy medicines
• If you have kidney problems (your dose may need to be adjusted)
• If you have liver disease
• If you have any existing nerve problems (neuropathy)
• If you have a history of bleeding problems or low blood cell counts
• If you have a heart condition, an irregular heartbeat, or a family history of heart rhythm problems (long QT syndrome)
• If you plan to become pregnant or father a child during treatment
• Avoid cold drinks, ice, and cold air on bare skin, especially in the days around your infusion.
• Attend all scheduled blood tests, as your doctor closely monitors your blood counts and organ function during treatment.
• Seek urgent care for severe diarrhoea/vomiting, signs of infection, unusual bleeding, or yellowing of the skin/eyes.
• Seek urgent care for new or worsening cough or breathlessness, or for a racing, irregular, or unusually slow heartbeat.
• Tell your doctor about all other medicines and supplements you take.
• Keep them out of the reach of children and pets.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Always tell your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you take, as some may increase the risk of bleeding, infection, or nerve-related side effects when combined with Oxaliplatin. This includes medicines that can affect your heart rhythm (QT interval), as combining these with Oxaliplatin may increase certain heart risks. Increased prothrombin time and INR may occur in few patients who take oxaliplatin with fluorouracil/leucovorin while on anticoagulants. Oxaliplatin with should not be given with medicines that cause kidney toxicity.

Interactions with food items

Overdose

Missed a Dose