Oxaliplatin may cause severe allergic reactions. These allergic reactions may happen within a few minutes after you receive oxaliplatin and may cause death. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to oxaliplatin, carboplatin (Paraplatin), cisplatin (Platinol) or any other medications. If you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor or other healthcare provider immediately: rash, hives, itching, reddening of the skin, difficulty breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, feeling as if your throat is closing, swelling of the lips and tongue, dizziness, lightheadness, or fainting.
Oxaliplatin is used with other medications to treat advanced colon or rectal cancer (cancer that begins in the large intestine). Oxaliplatin is also used with other medications to prevent colon cancer from spreading in people who have had surgery to remove the tumor. Oxaliplatin is in a class of medications called platinum-containing antineoplastic agents. It works by killing cancer cells.
Oxaliplatin comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected into a vein. Oxaliplatin is administered by a doctor or nurse. It is usually given once every fourteen days.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Do not eat or drink anything that is colder than room temperature for five days after you receive each dose of oxaliplatin.
Call your doctor as soon as possible if you are unable to keep an appointment to receive oxaliplatin. It is very important that you receive your treatment on schedule.
numbness, burning, or tingling in the fingers, toes, hands, feet, mouth, or throat
pain in the hands or feet
increased sensitivity, especially to cold
decreased sense of touch
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
constipation
gas
stomach pain
heartburn
sores in the mouth
loss of appetite
change in the ability to taste food
weight gain or loss
hiccups
dry mouth
muscle, back, or joint pain
tiredness
anxiety
depression
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
hair loss
dry skin
redness or peeling of the skin on the hands and feet
sweating
flushing
stumbling or loss of balance when walking
difficulty with everyday activities such as writing or fastening buttons
difficulty speaking
strange feeling in the tongue
tightening of the jaw
chest pain or pressure
cough
shortness of breath
sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
pain, redness, or swelling in the place where oxaliplatin was injected
pain when urinating
decreased urination
unusual bruising or bleeding
nosebleed
blood in urine
vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
bright red blood in stool
black and tarry stools
pale skin
weakness
problems with vision
swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Oxaliplatin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
shortness of breath
wheezing
numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes
vomiting
chest pain
slowed breathing
slowed heartbeat
tightening of the throat
diarrhea
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to oxaliplatin.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Reviewed - 09/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.