Brand Names:
Generic Names:
Check Oxaliplatin prices now with our price search engine - click here
Oxaliplatin (OX-ah-lee-plat-in) is a drug that is used to treat cancer. It
is a clear liquid that is injected into a vein.
Tell your physician if you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to
cisplatin (Platinol) or carboplatin (Paraplatin) before starting
oxaliplatin treatment.
A blood test may be taken before each treatment. The dose and timing of
your chemotherapy may be changed based on the test results and/or other
side effects.
Other drugs such as irinotecan (Camptosar) may interact with oxaliplatin.
Tell your physician if you are taking this or any other drugs as you may
need extra blood tests or your dose may need to be changed. Check with your
physician or pharmacist before you start taking any new drugs.
The drinking of alcohol (in small amounts) does not appear to affect the
safety or usefulness of oxaliplatin.
Oxaliplatin may damage sperm and may harm the baby if used during
pregnancy. It is best to use birth control while being treated with
oxaliplatin. Tell your physician right away if you or your partner becomes
pregnant. Do not breast-feed during treatment.
Tell physicians or dentists that you are being treated with oxaliplatin
before you receive any treatment from them.
Side effects are listed below in the order in which they may occur. Tips to
help manage the side effects are included.
Tell your nurse if you feel like you have difficulty breathing or
swallowing during or immediately after your oxaliplatin infusion. These
symptoms will disappear in a few hours, and do not require treatment. If
you have these symptoms with a 2-hour infusion, your next treatment may be
given over 6 hours.
Nausea and vomiting may occur after your treatment and may last for 24-48
hours. Some people have little or no nausea. You may be given a
prescription for an antinausea drug(s) to take before your chemotherapy
treatment and/or at home. It is easier to prevent nausea than treat it once
it has occurred, so follow directions closely. Eat and drink often in small
amounts.
Fever may occur shortly after treatment with oxaliplatin. Fever should last
no longer than 24 hours. Take acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) every 3-4
hours. Fever which occurs more than 48 hours after treatment may be the
sign of an infection. See details below.
Diarrhea may occur. To help diarrhea: Drink plenty of liquids. Eat and
drink often in small amounts. Eat low fibre foods such as cheese, rice,
pasta, white bread, juices, meat, and eggs. Avoid high fibre foods such as
bran, whole grain breads and cereals, nuts, fruits and vegetables.
Your white blood cells will decrease 1-2 weeks after your treatment. They
usually return to normal 3 weeks after your last treatment. White blood
cells protect your body by fighting bacteria (germs) that cause infection.
When they are low, you are at greater risk of having an infection. To help
prevent infection: Wash your hands often and always after using the
bathroom. Take care of your skin and mouth. Avoid crowds and people who are
sick. Call your physician immediately at the first sign of an infection
such as fever (over 100 F or 38 C by an oral thermometer), chills, cough,
or burning when you pass urine.
Your platelets may decrease 1-2 weeks after your treatment. They usually
return to normal 3 weeks after your last treatment. Platelets help to make
your blood clot when you hurt yourself. You may bruise or bleed more easily
than usual. To help prevent bleeding problems: Try not to bruise, cut or
burn yourself. Clean your nose by blowing gently, never use fingers. Avoid
constipation. For minor pain, take acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol). Do not
take ASA (e.g., Aspirin) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil).
You may feel tingling or a loss of feeling in your hands and feet. They may
be made worse by exposure to cold. These problems often disappear after a
few hours or days. Protect yourself from the cold, which can cause or
worsen these symptoms. Wear gloves, socks or a scarf. Avoid eating cold
food or drinks on the day of treatment. If the symptoms continue for more
than a week, or interfere with how your hands work, tell your physician so
that your dose can be adjusted.
Tiredness and lack of energy may occur. Do not drive a car or operate
machinery if you are feeling tired.
Hair loss is rare with oxaliplatin. Your hair will grow back once you stop
treatment with oxaliplatin. Colour and texture may change. Use a gentle
shampoo and soft brush. Care should be taken with use of hair spray,
bleaches, dyes and perms.
Pain or tenderness may occur where the needle was placed. Apply cool
compresses or soak in cool water for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN OR GET EMERGENCY HELP IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE:
- Signs of an infection such as fever (over 100 F or 38 C by an oral
thermometer); chills; cough; pain or burning when you pass urine.
- Signs of bleeding problems such as black, tarry stools; blood in urine;
pinpoint red spots on skin.
- Signs of an allergic reaction (rare) soon after a treatment including
dizziness, fast heart beat, face swelling or breathing problems.
SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (DURING OFFICE HOURS) IF
YOU HAVE:
- Signs of anemia such as unusual tiredness or weakness.
- Signs of liver problems such as yellow eyes or skin, white or
clay-coloured stools.
CHECK WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONTINUE OR
BOTHER YOU:
- Uncontrolled nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Easy bruising or bleeding.
- Redness, swelling, pain or sores where the needle was placed.
- Redness, swelling, pain or sores on your lips, tongue, mouth or throat.
REPORT ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS TO YOUR PHYSICIAN.
