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Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin®)
The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: April 7, 2005
Oxaliplatin (ox - al - ee - plat - in)
Other names: Eloxatin®
| How it is given: | Oxaliplatin is given as an infusion into the vein. It is often given in combination with other chemotherapy medications such as fluorouracil and irinotecan. |
| How it works: | Oxaliplatin works by interfering with the replication of cancer cells. By preventing them from dividing, the medication can stop the cancer from growing. Oxaliplatin appears to enhance the effects of fluorouracil when these medications are given together. |
Side Effects & Precautions
Let your doctor or nurse know if you have any allergies and what medications you are currently taking, both prescription and over the counter medications. This includes vitamins, herbs, nutritional supplements and any recreational drugs. Let your doctor know if you have ever had a reaction to other chemotherapies, including cisplatin and carboplatin, which are similar to oxaliplatin. Ask your doctor about drinking alcoholic beverages. Not everyone experiences side effects during chemotherapy and most side effects are temporary. The side effects you may experience are:
Common Side Effects
Numbness or tingling sensation in your hands, feet, and/or throat
These sensations can be worsened by exposure to cold.
What to do: Avoid exposure to the cold, especially on the day of treatment. Wear gloves and socks to protect hands and feet. Cold food and drink can cause a feeling of numbness and tingling in the throat, so avoid these on treatment days. This side effect can last for a day or two, but then should improve. Notify your healthcare provider if these symptoms persist.
Nausea and vomiting
What to do: If you are prescribed anti-nausea medications, take as directed. If not, request a prescription from your healthcare provider. Try to drink 6-8 glasses of fluids a day. Avoid eating fatty foods, large meals, acidic foods (e.g. tomatoes, lemons, oranges, grapefruits) and spicy or hot foods when you feel nauseated. Call your doctor or nurse if you are Unable to keep fluids down for more than 12 hours or if you feel lightheaded or dizzy at any time.
Diarrhea
What to do: Call you doctor or nurse if you experience an increase in the number of stools, an increase in the volume of stool or if the stool becomes more liquid. Take antidiarrheal medication as directed by your healthcare provider. Increase your fluid intake by drinking more liquids than usual (e.g. sport drinks, broth, gelatin, popsicles, soups). Eat bland foods such as bananas, rice, unsweetened applesauce, toast, cereal, and potatoes. If the diarrhea continues, contact your doctor or nurse again.
Decrease in the number of white blood cells (Also called neutropenia)
This puts you at higher risk for infection.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse for a fever of 100.4F or greater. Avoid people with the flu or colds. When working in your yard, wear protective clothing including long pants and gloves. Do not handle pet waste. Keep all cuts and scratches clean. Shower or bath daily and refer to Chemotherapy and You (NCI, 1997) for mouth care. Do not cut cuticles or ingrown nails. You may wear nail polish but not fake nails. Ask your doctor or nurse before scheduling dental appointments or procedures. Ask your doctor or nurse before you or a family member has any vaccinations.
Decrease in red blood cells (Also called anemia)
Causes loss of energy or a feeling of tiredness.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you feel more tired than usual or short of breath while doing normal activities. Take naps when you need to and save energy for important activities. Learn more about fatigue and cancer on OncoLink.
Decrease in platelets (Also called thrombocytopenia)
Platelets are needed for blood clotting, therefore decreased platelets put you at risk for bruising and bleeding.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you notice any unusual bruising or bleeding. Do not floss or use toothpicks. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or cotton swab. Ask your doctor or nurse before scheduling dental appointments or procedures. Use an electric razor to avoid cuts. Do not use medication containing aspirin or ibuprofen without asking your doctor or nurse.
Less common side effects
Loss or thinning of scalp and body hair (Also called alopecia)
Although it is rare, your hair may become thinned, brittle or fall out. This may begin two weeks after treatment starts, but it will grow back when treatment is stopped.
What to do: The use of scarves, wigs and hairpieces may help during this temporary condition. Use a gentle shampoo, such as baby shampoo, and a soft brush. Avoid hair dyes and perms that may further damage hair.
An allergic reaction to the medication
Some patients have had an allergic reaction when receiving the chemotherapy infusion.
What to do: Tell your nurse if you have any difficulty breathing, swallowing, or notice any hives or itching during the infusion. This reaction can be prevented in the future by receiving a medication, such as Benadryl or a steroid, prior to the infusion.
Other Issues
Sexual and reproductive changes
It is not known what effect oxaliplatin will have on menstrual cycle, sperm production, and fertility. Exposure of an unborn child to this medication could cause birth defects.
What to do: Discuss with your doctor or nurse how these changes will affect you. You may want to ask about sperm banking, egg harvesting, menopausal symptoms, sexual or relationship problems. Effective birth control is necessary during treatment. Contact your doctor or nurse if you think you may be pregnant. Do not breast feed while on this medication.