Oxaliplatin
Oxaliplatin Solution for injection
What is this medicine?
OXALIPLATIN (ox AL i PLA tin) is a chemotherapy drug. It targets fast dividing cells, like cancer cells, and causes these cells to die. This medicine is used to treat cancers of the colon and rectum, and many other cancers.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
kidney disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to oxaliplatin, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This drug is given as an infusion into a vein. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss a dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
What may interact with this medicine?
medicines to increase blood counts like filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, sargramostim
probenecid
some antibiotics like amikacin, gentamicin, neomycin, polymyxin B, streptomycin, tobramycin
zalcitabine
Talk to your doctor or health care professional before taking any of these medicines:
acetaminophen
aspirin
ibuprofen
ketoprofen
naproxen
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. You will need important blood work done while you are taking this medicine.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to cold. Do not drink cold drinks or use ice. Cover exposed skin before coming in contact with cold temperatures or cold objects. When out in cold weather wear warm clothing and cover your mouth and nose to warm the air that goes into your lungs. Tell your doctor if you get sensitive to the cold.
This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.
In some cases, you may be given additional medicines to help with side effects. Follow all directions for their use.
Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.
Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.
Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.
Call your doctor or health care professional if you get diarrhea. Do not treat yourself.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
low blood counts - This drug may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding.
signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, nosebleeds
signs of decreased red blood cells - unusually weak or tired, fainting spells, lightheadedness
breathing problems
chest pain, pressure
cough
diarrhea
jaw tightness
mouth sores
nausea and vomiting
pain, swelling, redness or irritation at the injection site
pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
problems with balance, talking, walking
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
changes in vision
constipation
hair loss
loss of appetite
metallic taste in the mouth or changes in taste
stomach pain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert