What is Oxaliplatin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Oxaliplatin

• Injection routeMedicines 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.

• Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. This medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will have to stay in place for at least 2 hours.

• Injection routeYou 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.

• 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. This combination of medicines is usually given for 2 days, but you will receive oxaliplatin on day 1 only.

• Avoid cold temperatures and cold objects during treatment with this medicine.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Missed dose: Injection routeThis 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.

• Oxaliplatin is usually used with other medicines. This combination of medicines is usually given for 2 days, but you will receive oxaliplatin on day 1 only.

• Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. This medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will have to stay in place for at least 2 hours.

• Missed dose: Injection routeThis 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.

• Injection routeYou 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.

• Avoid cold temperatures and cold objects during treatment with this medicine.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• If any of this medicine gets on your skin or in your eyes, nose, or mouth, tell your doctor or nurse right away.

• Injection routeMedicines 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.

What to do if you miss a dose of Oxaliplatin

Oxaliplatin contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to oxaliplatin or similar medicines, or if you are pregnant.

Oxaliplatin warnings

• Injection routeThis medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 9 months after the last dose. Men should use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 6 months after the last dose.

• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for at least 3 months after the last dose.

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, or lung or breathing problems.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Nerve problems, including peripheral sensory neuropathyPosterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (brain disease)Lung or breathing problemLiver problemHeart rhythm problems, including QT prolongation, ventricular arrhythmiaRhabdomyolysis (serious muscle problem), which can cause kidney problems

• This medicine may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or other vision problems. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

• Injection routeCancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Trouble swallowing, chest pressure, trouble walking, clumsiness

Oxaliplatin interactions

• Some foods and medicines can affect how oxaliplatin works. Tell your doctor if you are using a blood thinner or medicine to treat heart rhythm problems.

• Do not use ice or drink cold beverages.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Severe allergic reaction, which could be fatalNeutropenia (low white blood cell counts)Lung diseaseLiver damageHeart rhythm problems (such as QT prolongation, ventricular arrhythmia)Rhabdomyolysis (muscle damage)

• This medicine may cause neuropathy, which often bothers the nerves in your hands, feet, mouth, and throat. The nerve problems could interfere with everyday tasks, such as buttoning a shirt, walking, or writing. Cold may make these problems worse. Avoid cold temperatures. Do not use ice or drink cold beverages. Always wear gloves when you touch anything cold. Cover your skin, nose, and mouth if you must go outside in cold weather. Wear long sleeves and more clothing if air-conditioning bothers you.

• This medicine may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or other vision problems. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Injection routeCancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.