Generic
name: Oxaliplatin - injection
Brand name(s): Eloxatin
Description
Oxaliplatin is a chemotherapy drug , which acts as a platinum agent, used
to help fight cancer. It belongs to a class of medications called
platinum-containing antineoplastic agents, which works by killing cancer
cells. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration, Oxaliplatin is combined
with the chemotherapy regimen of infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin for
treatment of various types of cancer.
Uses
- Oxaliplatin is a chemotherapy drug that is given along with 2 other
chemotherapy drugs (5-Fluorouracil and leucovorin ) to treat colorectal
cancer.
- Oxaliplatin is given to patients with stage III colon cancer. This is
given after surgery to remove the tumor.
- It is also given to patients with cancer of the colon or rectum.
How to use?
The injection is infused into a vein for over at least 2 hours. This is
given as one dose every 2 weeks, along with other drugs. The dose and
frequency depends on the patient's blood count and response to previous
doses. Mixing and dilution with correct IV fluids should be done perfectly.
If more than one drug is to be infused through the same IV line, the IV line
should be flushed. This should be done before and after use with a dextrose
solution.
Safety tips
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to some medicines, about the
regular medicines, nutritional supplements, and herbal products that you
are taking before taking oxaliplatin.
- If you experience pain, burning or redness at the place where
injected, tell your doctor immediately.
- If this medication contacts your skin, immediately wash skin with
soap and water.
- If this medicine contacts your nose, eyes or mouth, completely clean
the area with water.
- Your doctor should know if you have kidney disease, if you are
pregnant or if you are breast feeding.
- Oxaliplatin may decrease your capacity to fight infection. As such
it is better to keep away from people who are sick during your treatment
.
- Exposure to cold air or cold objects may worsen some of the side
effects of oxaliplatin . So it is better to avoid eating or drinking
anything colder than room temperature or touch any cold objects or go
outside in cold weather.
Side effects
Oxaliplatin may cause side effects. Some side effects which are common are
as follows:
- Numbness
- Pain in the hands or feet
- Increased sensitivity
- Decreased sense of touch
- Nausea
- Vomiting Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Gas
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- Stomach pain
- Mouth ulcers
- Appetite loss
- Change in taste
- Weight gain or loss
- Tiredness
- Hair loss
- Dry skin Redness or peeling of the skin etc.
However some side effects can be serious which require immediate medical
attention. These are:
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