Falls under platinum-based antineoplastic family of medication, Oxaliplatin is prescribed together with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin in order to treat patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and colon cancer after they have undergone a surgery to remove the tumor.
Mechanism of Action: Body's each cell mainly contains genetic material, which is involved in order to provide information for organs and tissue growth and functioning.
The oxaliplatin injection links to the genetic material contained in the cell and blocks the process of replication, causing the eventual death of the cancerous cell.
Dosage: Each patient out there is different; your healthcare practitioner will determine what dose of Oxaliplatin is appropriate for you and how often you need to receive it.
What dosage forms Oxaliplatin comes in: It comes in two dosage forms.
oxaliplatin 50 mg
oxaliplatin 100 mg
How is Oxaliplatin given: Oxaliplatin basically is an injectable drug, given by intravenous infusion (injected slowly in a vein) every 2 weeks together with the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin.
The administration of oxaliplatin injection may require you to consume medicine prior to each treatment starts (premedication). This premedication is considered in order to help lessen the nausea. Your healthcare practitioner will tell you what is appropriate premedication you should take.
In case you forget to take your premedication as directed, make sure to inform your doctor prior to getting your oxaliplatin treatment.
Possible Side Effects: Like many chemo drugs, oxaliplatin may have side effects. Most of the oxaliplatin side effects are manageable.
Nausea
Anemia
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Change in taste
Fatigue
Sores in the mouth
Pain in a joint
Nose bleeding
Respiratory problems
Hiccups
High blood pressure
Neuropathy
Constipation
Stomach pain
Loss of appetite
Hair loss
Pain at the injection site
Discuss with your healthcare practitioner in case you have these signs and symptoms.
Precautions:
Oxaliplatin is administered only by or under the supervision of an experienced clinical oncologist.
Avoid using this drug if you're allergic to it or other platinum containing ingredients or to any of the ingredients in the product.
Do not use the inj oxaliplatin if you've a severe kidney disease.
Avoid cold temperatures as well as cold objects. Your skin should be covered in case you go outside in cold temperatures.
Avoid drinking cold drinks or using ice cubes in the drinks.
It is not recommended to put ice or ice packs on your body.
Your blood should be checked at the regular visits while you are receiving this medication.
Oxaliplatin may be responsible for damaging the sperm and may harm an unborn baby in case used during pregnancy.
It would be best to consider birth control while taking treatment with oxaliplatin. Inform your healthcare professional right away in case you become pregnant.
For female patients, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.
Oxaliplatin may be responsible for causing dizziness, other neurological disorders that may affect balance, and vision problems including reversible short-term loss of vision. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
Drug Interaction: The inj oxaliplatin may interact with the drug named warfarin (a drug that is used in order to reduce the clot formation in the blood).
Prior to using prescription, over-the-counter drugs or herbal products, check with your healthcare practitioner.
Drug Overdose: In case of drug overdose, you may have increased adverse reactions. If you suspect an overdose, call your healthcare team.
Missed Dose: The oxaliplatin 100 mg injection needs to be given on a fixed schedule. In case you forget or miss a dose, call your healthcare practitioner for instructions.
Storage: The unopened vials of Eloxatin with solution for injection is required to be stored between 15-30°C) in their original packaging. It is not recommended to freeze this drug. It should be protected from light.
Price of Oxaliplatin: The oxaliplatin price may vary depending upon the wholesalers you choose to buy. Apart, these prices may also vary from innovator to generic drugs.
NOTE: The information provided in this article is only for informational purposes and is not served as a substitute for the medical treatment, consultation, diagnosis, of a qualified healthcare practitioner.