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Overview: Oxaliplatin is used to treat certain types of cancer. Common side effects include nerve problems, low blood cell counts, and diarrhea. Tell your health care provider right away if you get vision changes, confusion, a severe headache, cough, nausea, muscle pain, reduced or dark-colored urine (pee), unusual bleeding, or any symptoms of an infection, such as a fever. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing or chest pain.

Uses

What is oxaliplatin used for?

Oxaliplatin is commonly used to treat certain colorectal and colon cancers.

Oxaliplatin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does oxaliplatin work (mechanism of action)?

Oxaliplatin is a type of medicine known as chemotherapy. Oxaliplatin is an alkylating agent. It damages DNA, which prevents the ability of cancer cells to multiply. 

How is oxaliplatin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Eloxatin

Dosage forms and strengths

Oxaliplatin is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store oxaliplatin?

Oxaliplatin is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of oxaliplatin?

The most common side effects of oxaliplatin are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nerve problems (see below)
  • Blood disorders (see below) 
  • Changes in liver function tests 
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Tiredness
  • Mouth sores

There may be other side effects of oxaliplatin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of oxaliplatin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of oxaliplatin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Oxaliplatin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Nerve Problems. Nerves are the fibers that carry sensations from your body to the brain. Damage to these nerves, called peripheral neuropathy, can happen in people who are using oxaliplatin. Tell your health care provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms.

  • Cold sensitivity 
  • Pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, feet, or mouth
  • Trouble swallowing, walking, or speaking

Blood Disorders. Oxaliplatin can cause blood disorders, such as low neutrophils (neutropenia), low red blood cell levels (anemia), low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia). These can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Keep all appointments for blood tests, so your health care provider can monitor your blood cell counts. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever or chills
  • Sore throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infections
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES). Oxaliplatin may cause a rare but serious brain condition called PRES. PRES involves swelling and narrowing of blood vessels in your brain. If PRES is not treated, it can lead to a stroke. Call your health care provider right away if you have the following symptoms of PRES.

  • Changes in thinking or behavior
  • Confusion or hallucinations
  • Sudden decrease or change in vision
  • Sudden severe headache
  • Seizures

Lung Problems. Oxaliplatin can cause scarring (pulmonary fibrosis) or inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing. You may also have a cough, fever, or chest pain. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms.

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using oxaliplatin. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Heart Rhythm Changes. Oxaliplatin may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. It may also cause heart rhythm problems that can lead to an irregular heartbeat and fainting. In rare cases, this may cause the heart to suddenly stop beating (cardiac arrest). Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium levels, have existing heart disease, or who take medicines that can prolong the QT interval. Tell your health care provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat, and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of heart rhythm changes.

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting
  • Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding, or skipping heartbeat

Muscle Problems. Oxaliplatin can cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness called myopathy. In some people, the muscle may break down (rhabdomyolysis), which can be serious and rarely lead to kidney damage and death. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.

  • Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
  • Low energy levels or feeling easily tired, especially with activity
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Fever
  • Muscle cramps
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea or vomiting

Severe Bleeding. Oxaliplatin can increase your risk of severe bleeding that can lead to death. Some people with serious bleeding may need a blood transfusion or surgery. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following signs of severe bleeding.

  • Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)
  • Vomit with blood that looks like coffee grounds
  • Red or black stools (looks like tar)
  • Coughing up blood or blood clots
  • Dizziness, confusion, or weakness

Cancer. Oxaliplatin can cause a new cancer to develop. Tell your health care provider about any new symptoms that you may get.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use oxaliplatin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use oxaliplatin.

  • EloxatinOxaliplatin
  • Oxaliplatin
  • Any other medicine that is platinum-based
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific oxaliplatin products they stock.

What should I know about oxaliplatin before using it?

Oxaliplatin is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

Your health care provider will monitor your body’s response to oxaliplatin with blood tests. It is important to keep all appointments, so your health care provider can make sure it is safe for you to start and continue to use oxaliplatin.

If you are given medicine to prevent or treat certain side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, take them exactly as your health care provider tells you. 

Cold temperatures and objects may cause or worsen nerve problems from oxaliplatin. Cover your skin if you go outside in cold weather. Do not breathe deeply in cold air. You can cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or covering to help to warm the air that is going into your lungs. Do not drink ice cold drinks. Do not put ice or ice packs on your body. Wear gloves when you are removing items from the refrigerator or freezer. Do not use ice chips if you have sores in your mouth or nausea. Always drink through a straw.

Oxaliplatin can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how oxaliplatin affects you.

If you are able to get your partner pregnant, use effective birth control while using oxaliplatin and for six months after your last dose.

What should I tell my health care provider before using oxaliplatin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if oxaliplatin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Lung problems
  • An infection
  • Bleeding problems
  • Heart problems, including long QT syndrome, an irregular or slow heartbeat, or family members who have heart problems
  • Electrolyte imbalance, such as low potassium, magnesium, or calcium levels

Other Medicines and Supplements. Oxaliplatin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using oxaliplatin, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Oxaliplatin may cause harm to a fetus. Your health care provider will ensure you are not pregnant before you start using oxaliplatin. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control while using oxaliplatin and for nine months after your last dose. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if oxaliplatin passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while using oxaliplatin and for three months after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Infertility. Oxaliplatin can cause problems getting pregnant or getting a partner pregnant. Talk with your health care provider if this is a concern for you.

Interactions

Does oxaliplatin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between oxaliplatin and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect oxaliplatin, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer.

Does oxaliplatin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using oxaliplatin.

  • Medicines that can cause QT prolongation, which is a potentially dangerous heart rhythm problem
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with oxaliplatin. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much oxaliplatin?

If you or someone else has used too much oxaliplatin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of oxaliplatin?

Oxaliplatin is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving oxaliplatin as scheduled.

If you miss an appointment to get your oxaliplatin dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.