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Brand Names: Eloxatin

Generic Name: oxaliplatin (Pronunciation: ox AL i PLA tin)

• What is oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)?
• What are the possible side effects of oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)?
• How is oxaliplatin given (Eloxatin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Eloxatin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Eloxatin)?
• What should I avoid while using oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)?
• What other drugs will affect oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)?

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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Eloxatin 200 mg

What are the possible side effects of oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)?

Some people receiving a oxaliplatin injection have had a reaction to the infusion within minutes after the medicine is injected into the vein. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel short of breath, confused, sweaty, itchy, or have diarrhea, chest pain, warmth or redness in your face, or feel like you might pass out.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• numbness or tingly feeling in your hands, feet, throat, and around your mouth;
• numbness or burning pain that interferes with daily activities;
• increased sensitivity to cold temperatures and cold objects;
• jaw or chest tightness, eye pain, strange feeling in your tongue, problems with speech or swallowing;
• fever, diarrhea, vomiting, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sudden cough;
• increased thirst, dry mouth, urinating less than usual;
• decreased vision;;
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• constipation;
• tired feeling;
• hair loss;
• decreased taste sensation;
• muscle pain;
• headache;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• swelling; or
• back pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

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.

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.

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