oxaliplatin Health Article

Generic name(s):

oxaliplatin

Brand name(s):

Eloxatin

What is the most important information I should know about oxaliplatin?

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to oxaliplatin or similar medications such as carboplatin (Paraplatin) or cisplatin (Platinol).

Before receiving oxaliplatin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver disease, asthma, or a nerve problem such as Raynaud's syndrome.

Receiving oxaliplatin can make you more sensitive to cold. This includes exposure to cold temperature and coming into contact with cold objects. To prevent discomfort avoid breathing in cold air, cover your skin in cold weather, wear gloves when handling cold objects, avoid air conditioning, and do not use ice or drink cold beverages.

Do not eat ice chips to ease mouth sores or nausea because you will be more sensitive to cold. Talk to your doctor about other ways to treat nausea or mouth sores.

Call your doctor if you have a serious side effect such as numbness or tingling, problems with speech or swallowing, chest tightness, fever with diarrhea or vomiting, increased thirst, decreased urination, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, or mouth sores.

Oxaliplatin can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed or get sick. Avoid being around others who are ill. Your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

What is oxaliplatin?

Oxaliplatin is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Oxaliplatin is used together with other cancer medications to treat colon and rectal cancer.

Oxaliplatin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving oxaliplatin?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to oxaliplatin or similar medications such as carboplatin (Paraplatin) or cisplatin (Platinol).

Before receiving oxaliplatin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease;

• asthma or other breathing disorder; or

• a nerve problem such as Raynaud's syndrome.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive oxaliplatin.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not receive oxaliplatin without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether oxaliplatin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.