Oxaliplatin may cause severe allergic reactions. These allergic reactions may happen within a few minutes after you receive oxaliplatin and may cause death. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to oxaliplatin, carboplatin (Paraplatin), cisplatin (Platinol) or any other medications. If you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor or other healthcare provider immediately: rash, hives, itching, reddening of the skin, difficulty breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, feeling as if your throat is closing, swelling of the lips and tongue, dizziness, lightheadness, or fainting.
The basics
Oxaliplatin (brand name-eloxatin) is an FDA-approved treatment used with other medications for colon or rectal cancer (cancer that begins in the large intestine). It is also used with other medications to prevent colon cancer from spreading in people who have had surgery to remove the tumor.
Oxaliplatin is in a class of medications called platinum-containing antineoplastic agents. It works by killing cancer cells.
Let us walk you through the key things you need to know about Oxaliplatin.
How should I take Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)?
Oxaliplatin (eloxatin) isw to be injected into a vein by a Doctor or nurse in a medical facility. It is usually given once every fourteen days.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Do not stop taking treatment without talking to your doctor. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.
I forgot a dose. What should I do?
Call your Doctor as soon as possible if you are unable to keep an appointment to receive oxaliplatin. It is very important that you receive your treatment on schedule.
What are the side effects of Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)?
common side effects
- Numbness, burning, or tingling in the fingers, toes, hands, feet, mouth, or throat
- Pain in the hands or feet
- Increased sensitivity, especially to cold
- Decreased sense of touch
- Nausea
- Vomiting (Emesis)
- Diarrhea (Dysentery)
- Cough
- Constipation
- Flatulence (Bloating)
- Abdominal Pain (Bellyache)
- Heartburn (GERD/Acid Reflux)
- Mucositis (Mouth sore)
- Appetite loss (Anorexia)
- Abnormal taste (Dysgeusia)
- Weight gain or Abnormal weight loss
- Hiccups
- Dry mouth
- Muscle Aches (Myalgia), back, or Joint Pain (Arthralgia)
- Fatigue (Tiredness)
- Insomnia
- Hair Loss (Alopecia)
- Dry skin
- Redness or peeling of the skin on the hands and feet
- Sweating
- Flushing
Serious side effects
- Stumbling or loss of balance when walking
- Difficulty with everyday activities such as writing or fastening buttons
- Difficulty speaking
- Strange feeling in the tongue
- Tightening of the jaw
- Chest Pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath (Dyspnea)
- Sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
- Pain, redness, or swelling in the place where oxaliplatin was injected
- Pain when urinating
- Decreased urination
- Unusual bruising or Hemorrhage (Bleeding)
- Nosebleed
- Blood in urine
- Vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
- Bright red blood in stool
- Black and tarry stools
- Pale skin
- Weakness
- Problems with vision
- Swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- Anxiety
- Depression
Oxaliplatin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before using oxaliplatin
- tell your doctor about your allergies
- tell your doctor about other intakes
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any other disease symptom or treatment
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Oxaliplatin may harm the fetus. Talk to your doctor about the types of birth control that will work for you.
While you are on Oxaliplatin
- If you become pregnant while taking oxaliplatin (eloxatin), call your doctor. Do not breastfeed during your treatment with oxaliplatin.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using oxaliplatin.
- you should know that oxaliplatin may decrease your ability to fight infection. Stay away from people who are sick during your treatment with oxaliplatin.
- you should know that exposure to cold air or objects may make some of the side effects of oxaliplatin worse.
In case of an emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Slowed breathing
- Slowed heartbeat
- Tightening of the throat
- Diarrhea
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Do not eat or drink anything that is colder than room temperature for five days after you receive each dose of oxaliplatin (eloxatin).
Brand names
- Eloxatin®
Last Reviewed – 06/19/2023, FDA updated- 09/01/2010, SG
Get 24×7 support for oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)
Don’t go through your cancer journey alone. Use Ankr to:
(1) find the best treatment for your cancer, and
(2) get advanced warning to cut side effects by upto 52%