Oxaliplatin (ox-al-i-PLA-tin)

Treats cancer of the colon or rectum.

Brand Name(s):

Oxaliplatin Novaplus

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through an IV placed in a vein. This medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will have to stay in place for at least 2 hours.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• If any of this medicine gets on your skin or in your eyes, nose, or mouth, tell your doctor or nurse right away.
• Oxaliplatin is usually used with other medicines. This combination of medicines is usually given for 2 days, but you will receive oxaliplatin on day 1 only.
• Avoid cold temperatures and cold objects during treatment with this medicine.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how oxaliplatin works. Tell your doctor if you are using a blood thinner or medicine to treat heart rhythm problems.
• Do not use ice or drink cold beverages.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting treatment with this medicine. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 9 months after the last dose. Men should use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 6 months after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for at least 3 months after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, or lung or breathing problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Nerve problems, including peripheral sensory neuropathy
  • Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (brain disease)
  • Lung or breathing problem
  • Liver problem
  • Heart rhythm problems, including QT prolongation, ventricular arrhythmia
  • Rhabdomyolysis (serious muscle problem), which can cause kidney problems
• This medicine may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or other vision problems. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Dry cough, noisy breathing, trouble breathing
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, feet, mouth, or throat
• Pain, redness, burning, swelling, or skin changes where the needle was placed
• Seizures, headache, confusion, vision problems
• Trouble swallowing, chest pressure, trouble walking, clumsiness
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, diarrhea
• Feeling sensitive to cold
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088