Drug Information |
Questions and Answers about Eloxatin (oxaliplatin for injection)
1. What is Eloxatin, and how does it work? Eloxatin is a platinum-based anticancer drug. It is the platinum that destroys the cancer cells. The active ingredient in Eloxatin is oxaliplatin. 2. What is Eloxatin used for? Eloxatin is given in combination with 5-fluorouracil plus leucovorin (5FU/LV) to treat advanced cancer of the colon or rectum (colorectal cancer). 3. Is Eloxatin a cure for colorectal cancer? At this time, it is not known whether Eloxatin will improve symptoms of colorectal cancer or help patients live longer. In clinical trials, patients treated with a combination drug regimen of Eloxatin and 5-FU/LV had a longer time before tumor progression and a higher rate of tumor shrinkage. 4. Who should take Eloxatin? Eloxatin is currently approved for patients whose cancer has recurred (come back) or advanced following therapy with a combination of 5-FU/LV and irinotecan. Eloxatin is not for patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer. 5. Who should not take Eloxatin?
6. How is Eloxatin given? Eloxatin is a clear liquid that is given though a drip into a vein. 7. What are the side effects of Eloxatin?Eloxatin can cause numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes and around the mouth or throat. This side effect is usually worse if the patient is cold or around cold objects. It can happen a few hours or a few days after treatment. Sometimes the tingling or numbing may not happen with the first treatment but after several treatments. This is known as a cumulative effect and should gradually improve after treatment ends. Eloxatin can cause a temporary drop in bone marrow function. This can cause
Patients should contact their doctor if they have:
Other common side effects include:
This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Eloxatin. Patients can discuss a more complete list of side effects with their doctor. 8. Where can I get more information about Eloxatin? Go to FDA's Eloxatin web page at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/eloxatin Back to Top Back to Eloxatin Info FDA/Center for Drug Evaluation and Research |