Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: oxaliplatin, injection; Eloxatin
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat advanced colorectal (bowel and rectal) cancer. It may also be used for other types of cancers and tumors. It is often used with other anticancer drugs.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. This medicine is usually not given during pregnancy because it can harm the baby. Do not become pregnant while you are receiving this medicine. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need birth control. If you do become pregnant while receiving this medicine, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed during this treatment.
You will receive the IV infusions every 2 or 3 weeks. The infusions are given over a 2 to 6-hour period. Keep all appointments for the infusions.
If this medicine leaks (from the needle) onto your skin or you have pain during the infusion, tell your provider right away. This medicine can cause severe pain and inflammation if it gets on your skin.
This medicine may cause severe, life-threatening allergic reactions. You will be monitored closely while receiving this medicine. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience any trouble breathing or swallowing, feel as if your throat is closing, swelling of the lips or tongue, chest pain, rash, hives, itching, dizziness, or flushing.
You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects your blood and bone marrow. Keep all appointments for these tests.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first. If you develop a fever, severe fatigue, or unusual bruising or bleeding, contact your healthcare provider right away.
If you develop numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in your hands or feet, contact your healthcare provider right away. These may be signs of nerve damage. Exposure to cold may trigger these symptoms. Avoid cold drinks or frozen foods, ice chips or ice cubes. Cover exposed skin before exposure to cold temperature or cold or frozen objects. Adults over the age of 65 may be at greater risk for this side effect. Your healthcare provider may reduce your dosage or discontinue treatment.
This medicine may increase your risk of bruising or bleeding. Use a soft brush to brush your teeth. Be careful while shaving, cutting fingernails or toenails, or when using sharp objects. Avoid sports and activities that may cause injuries.
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects after infusions of this medicine. If they continue or become severe, ask your healthcare provider about medicine to help relieve these side effects.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy, or cause vision problems. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert and can see clearly.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Numbness, tingling, or burning in your hands, feet, or around your mouth or throat; increased sensitivity to cold; trouble breathing or swallowing; speech problems; jaw tightness; fever or chills; unusual tiredness or weakness; unusual bruising or bleeding; black or tarry stools; chest pain; severe muscle cramps; blood in the urine; burning or pain on urination; trouble urinating or decreased urine output; persistent sore throat; dry cough; yellow skin or eyes; dark urine; vision changes; severe dizziness; unexplained swelling in hands or feet; severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Other: Abdominal pain; diarrhea; constipation; hair loss; headache; trouble sleeping; nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; change in sense of taste, redness, swelling, or pain where you had the infusion; mouth sores; back pain; muscle pain.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
