Oxaliplatin: Key Points to Know About Your Medication

Summary or Key Points

Oxaliplatin is a chemotherapy drug often used in the treatment of advanced colon and rectal cancers. As with any medication, it’s essential to understand its purpose, how it’s administered, and potential side effects. Always consult with your healthcare provider before adjusting your medication, and remember our team of dedicated professionals is available for a telemedicine consultation whenever you need it.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Eloxatin (Generic Name: Oxaliplatin)

In simpler terms, a ‘generic name’ is the standard name of the drug without any branding. It’s what scientists and healthcare providers use to refer to the medication, and we’ve provided it in parentheses next to the brand name for your reference.

Pharmacologic Category

Oxaliplatin belongs to a group of medications known as platinum-containing antineoplastic agents. Other medications in this category include cisplatin and carboplatin.

Dosing

It’s important to note that Oxaliplatin is used for the treatment of certain types of cancer in adults. Always consult with your healthcare provider before adjusting your medication dosage. Our telemedicine service allows you to speak with a provider at any time for guidance. The diseases and respective dosages are:

• Colon Cancer: Oxaliplatin is administered at a dose of 85 mg/m² intravenously over 2 hours every 2 weeks, in combination with other medicines.
• Rectal Cancer: Oxaliplatin is given at a dose of 50 mg/m² intravenously over 2 hours, every week for 6 weeks, also in combination with other medicines.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Oxaliplatin is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Injection: 50 mg/10 mL single-dose vial
• Injection: 100 mg/20 mL single-dose vial
• Injection: 200 mg/40 mL single-dose vial

Administration Instructions

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

All medications can have side effects, and Oxaliplatin is no exception. Below are some potential side effects along with their frequencies:

• Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, changes in taste, tingling or pricking sensations in the hands or feet, fatigue.
• Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): Mouth sores, nosebleeds, shortness of breath, fever, infection, increased blood sugar levels, weight loss, dehydration, confusion, depression, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, headache, changes in vision, hearing loss, high blood pressure, flushing, cough, chest pain, constipation, indigestion, hair loss, skin rash, back pain, joint or muscle pain, changes in kidney and liver function tests, changes in blood tests (including low levels of red and white blood cells and platelets).

Should you experience any of these side effects or have any concerns about your medication, please contact your healthcare provider immediately. Our telemedicine service is available to provide immediate assistance.

Contraindications

Contraindications are specific situations in which a drug, procedure, or surgery should not be used because it may be harmful to the patient. Oxaliplatin should not be taken in the following situations:

• If you are allergic to oxaliplatin or any of its ingredients. The reaction could range from rash and itching to a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction.
• If you have severe kidney impairment. Kidneys help to eliminate oxaliplatin from the body. If your kidneys are severely impaired, the drug might not be cleared from your system as it should, leading to potential toxicity.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Interactions can occur when Oxaliplatin is used with certain other medications. These include:

• Warfarin (Coumadin): Oxaliplatin can increase the effect of warfarin, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.
• Phenytoin (Dilantin): Oxaliplatin might decrease the effectiveness of phenytoin, potentially leading to seizures.

Oxaliplatin in Pregnancy

Oxaliplatin may cause harm to an unborn baby, and is not recommended during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. Telemedicine consultations are a convenient way to address these concerns.

Oxaliplatin while Breastfeeding

Oxaliplatin is not recommended while breastfeeding due to the potential risk to the infant. Always discuss this with your healthcare provider before starting treatment, and remember, our team is available for a telemedicine consultation at any time.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Oxaliplatin, using a GoodRX coupon, is approximately $300. Costs may vary based on location and pharmacy.

Possible Alternatives

There may be alternative treatments or lifestyle changes that could help with your condition. Always discuss these with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan:

• Colon Cancer: Alternatives may include other chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or surgery. Lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular exercise could help to reduce risk.
• Rectal Cancer: Similar to colon cancer, alternatives may include other chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or surgery. A healthy diet and regular exercise could be beneficial.

Our telemedicine service is always available to help you discuss these potential alternatives with a healthcare provider.

Recent Updates on Oxaliplatin Research

Research on Oxaliplatin continues to evolve. Recent studies suggest that the use of Oxaliplatin could potentially be expanded to other types of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer and gastric cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings. As with any treatment, it’s essential to discuss the latest research with your healthcare provider, and our team is available for a telemedicine consultation at any time.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.