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Eloxatin

Generic name: oxaliplatin [OX-AL-i-PLATIN]

Drug class: alkylating agents

What is Eloxatin?

Eloxatin is a patented platinum-based cancer treatment that blocks the spread and growth of cancerous cells within the body.Eloxatin is a drug that can be used with leucovorin and fluorouracil to treat rectal and colon cancer.It isn't known whether eloxatin is a good choice for children.

Side effects of Eloxatin

Oxaliplatin may cause a severe or even potentially life-threatening reaction in an allergic person. Some people receiving an eloxatin injection have experienced reactions to the infusion within a few minutes after the injection in the vein. Inform your doctor immediately when you experience dizziness and breathlessness, sweating and itching, or if you experience diarrhea or chest pains, swelling or redness on your face, or feel as if you're going to vomit.

See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergy reaction to eloxatin, difficulty breathing; hives; and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.

See your doctor right away. If you suffer from:

  • Increased sensibility to cold temperatures as well as objects in cold temperatures;
  • Tingling, numbness, or burning sensations that hinder the daily routine;
  • Severe or ongoing diarrhea or vomiting;
  • Confusion, change in mental status, vision problems, seizures (convulsions);
  • Burning or pain during urination;
  • Suddenly experiencing chest discomfort or pain with wheezing, a dry cough, and feeling breathless;
  • Swelling, redness, pain, or changes to the skin where the injection was administered
  • Signs of dehydration Feeling very thirsty or hot, not being able to urinate, sweating heavily, or having hot or dried skin;
    heart issues heart problems migraine with chest pains and extreme dizziness, fainting, or rapid or rapid heartbeats;
  • Liver issues nausea, abdominal pains, itching nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite black stools, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
  • Muscles problems unprovoked muscle tenderness, pain, or weakness, particularly in the event that you are also suffering from an unusually tired feeling or dark urine;
  • Nerve issues such as chest or jaw tension, eye pain, unusual sensations inside your mouth, difficulties with swallowing or speech,
  • Low blood cells (fever, chills, fatigue, skin sores and mouth sores, bruising that is easy, unusual bleeding, pale skin, feet, and hands sensation of lightheadedness or tiredness)

Common side effects of eloxatin include:

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
  • Numbness, tingling, burning pain;
  • Low blood cell count;
  • Abnormal tests of liver function;
  • Mouth sores;
  • Feeling exhausted.

This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Other side effects could be present. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Eloxatin may cause an extreme allergy that could be life-threatening. Get emergency medical assistance if you notice an allergic reaction that causes itching, hives, sweating, itching or chest pains, or redness on your skin, or feeling lightheaded and a sudden cough;

Before you take this drug

If you haveIt is not recommended to treat with eloxatin if ever experienced any reaction that was allergic to oxaliplatin or similar medicines like carboplatin (paraplatin) or cisplatin (platinol).

To make sure that eloxatin is safe for you, inform your doctor if you ever experience:

  • An active or recent ailment;
  • Kidney disease;
  • Liver disease;
  • Heart disorders, heart rhythm disorders;
  • Long qt syndrome (in either you or a member of your family);
  • An electrolyte imbalance (such as low amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium in the blood);
  • Breathing disorder;
  • A nerve problem.

Oxaliplatin may harm an unborn child when either the father or mother uses this medicine.

  • If you're female, do not use eloxatin if expecting. Make sure you use effective birth control methods to avoid pregnancy while using this medication in the first nine months following the last dose.
  • If you're male, use effective birth control if you are a sex lover who is capable of becoming pregnant. Continue using birth control for a minimum of six months after the last dose.
  • Inform your doctor immediately when you notice a pregnancy when one of the parents or father is taking eloxatin.

Oxaliplatin can influence fertility (the ability to have children) for both men and women. But it is crucial to utilize birth control to stop pregnancy, as oxaliplatin could harm an unborn baby.Don't breastfeed when you are taking Eloxatin and at least 3 months following the last dose.

Similar/related drugs

Keytruda, Avastin, Capecitabine, Fluorouracil, Xeloda, and Betaseron

How to take Eloxatin?

Eloxatin can be administered as an infusion to the vein. Your healthcare professional will give the injection.Eloxatin is best administered slowly, and infusions can last for at least two hours.Eloxatin is generally prescribed every two weeks. Your physician will decide the duration of treatment with this medication.There are medications available to help prevent vomiting as well as nausea.Receiving eloxatin may cause you to be more susceptible to colds. This may cause numbness, muscle spasms, and tingling. This is due to exposure to cold temperatures and being in contact with cold objects. To avoid discomfort, you should follow these steps:

  • Don't inhale heavily when exposed to cold air.
  • Protect your head, skin, and face when outdoors in frigid temperatures;
  • Use gloves when handling objects that are cold or refrigerated food items.
  • Do not operate an air conditioner with cold temperatures in your house or in your car (even in the summer heat);
  • Do not consume cold beverages or mix ice cubes into drinks.
  • Don't put any ice packs on your body.

Chemotherapy is often associated with nausea and mouth sores. Avoid eating ice chips to help ease the discomfort, as you'll be more susceptible to colds. Consult your physician about alternatives to treating mouth sores. You could be prescribed other medications to help prevent vomiting or nausea when you're taking Eloxatin.Eloxatin may lower the blood cell count. Your blood needs to be tested frequently. The treatments for cancer could be delayed, depending on the results.The function of your heart may need to be monitored with an electrocardiograph, or ECG (sometimes also referred to as an EKG).

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Colorectal Cancer:

85 mg/m2 in an IV infusion for 120 minutes each week and administered along with infusional 55 fluorouracil and leucovorin.
Duration of therapy:
Adjuvant Treatment for Stage III Colon Cancer: A Total of 6 Months (12 Cycles)
Treatment for Advanced Colorectal Cancer: Until there is a significant increase in disease or unacceptably toxic
Comments:
Prevention with antiemetics, which includes 5-HT3 blockers that contain or do not contain dexamethasone, is advised.
Check the information provided by the manufacturer for the 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin dosage guidelines.
Utilization: In conjunction with leucovorin or infusional 5-fluorouracil:
Adjuvant treatment for Stage III colon cancer for patients who have had complete removal of the primary tumor
Treatment of advanced colorectal cancer

What happens if I miss the dose?

Make an appointment with your doctor if you missed an appointment for the injection of eloxatin.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Avoid cold temperatures and objects that are cold, like cold drinks, ice, and contact with cold temperatures.Beware of those with illnesses or suffering from infections. Contact your doctor right away in the event that you show symptoms of an infection.Eloxatin could cause blurred vision and affect your reaction. Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you are aware of the effects of oxaliplatin on you.

Interaction with other drug

Other medications can interfere with oxaliplatin.These include both over-the-counter (OTC) medications as well as prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your doctor the medicines you are currently taking as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking.

DRUG STATUS

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Prescription only

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