Uses of Oxaliplatin

Oxaliplatin is used is used to damage the genetic material of cancerous cells of the colon and/or rectum. It is highly used in combination with other anti-cancer medicines (such as 5-flurouracil and folinic acid) as an adjunct to treat stage III colon cancer after removing the primary tumour. It can also be used to damage the genetic material of cells of colorectal cancer (cancer of colon and rectum that has been spread to other parts of the body).

Therapeutic Category

Oxaliplatin: Anticancer agents (platinum-based chemotherapy drugs)

How Oxaliplatin works

Oxaliplatin is an anticancer medication. It works by damaging the DNA (genetic material) of the cancer cells. As a result, it reduces abnormal growth and multiplication of cancer cells in the body.

Common side effects of Oxaliplatin

• nerve pain, tingling and numbness of body parts
• abnormal sensation in the throat, problems in breathing
• diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain
• indigestion, heartburn, hiccups
• low blood counts (causing bleeding, anemia and increased infections)
• injections site reactions (pain and discomfort)
• fever, shakiness, headache, dizziness, tiredness, body pains
• weight loss, lack of appetite
• changes in taste, nasal bleeds
• skin rash, itching, flaky skin, hair loss, flushing
• nail disorder, increased sweating
• joint pain
• passing little or no urine
• high blood pressure
• depression and lack of sleep
• low blood calcium levels
• neck stiffness 

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience signs of allergic reactions (such as skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or throat which can lead to difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
• If you experience mouth ulcers (oral sores)
• If you experience signs of low platelet count in blood such as excessive unusual bruising
• If you experience dry cough, difficulty in breathing and crackling sounds
• If you experience sepsis (blood infections)
• If you experience low WBC count causing fever or flu-like symptoms
• If you experience signs of blood clots in lungs (chest pain, difficulty in breathing, coughing up blood)
• If you experience blockage or swelling in the intestines
• If you experience problems in ringing, ringing sound in the ears and spinning sensation
• If you experience severe persistent diarrhea and vomiting
• If you experience short-term vision loss
• If you experience signs of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (a nerve disorder causing headache, altered mental functioning, seizures and abnormal vision from blurriness to vision loss)
• If you experience signs of Haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (such as extreme tiredness, low RBC count, shortness of breath, low platelet count, abnormal bruising, passing little or no urine)
• If you experience inflammation of the lungs
• If you experience pain in upper abdomen and back with nausea and vomiting
• If you experience vascular disorders of the liver (symptoms include abdominal pain and swelling, weight gain and tissue swelling of the feet, ankles or other parts of the body)
• If you experience bleeding in the gut causing bloody stools or vomits

Health Tips for Oxaliplatin

• Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate your skin further. Do not scratch the affected area. Use protective clothing when going outdoors
• Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial
• Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any tools or machines completely while you are feeling dizzy
• Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oil rich or spicy foods
• Avoid eating spicy foods. Drink plenty of water. Apply a pain-relieving gel on the affected areas of the mouth if required. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve
• Drink lots of fluids, such as water to keep yourself hydrated
• Try to eat more high-fibre foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables, cereals, and drink plenty of water. Try doing exercise regularly (going for a daily walk or run)
• Take precautions to minimize infection risk as this medicine may temporarily decrease the production of blood cells, which may increase the risk of infection
• Protect your hands and feet from extreme temperatures and avoid activities that may cause injury to prevent the risk of neuropathy