Skip to Content

For U.S. Residents Only

Home  »  ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection)  »  Side Effects of ELOXATIN

Side Effects of ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection)

Neuropathy (Nerve Changes) associated with ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection)

Neuropathy — nerve changes that can cause unpleasant symptoms like numbness or tingling — is a common side effect of ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection). Exposure to cold during treatment is one of the most common triggers of ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection) related neuropathy. Touching cold objects or frozen items, consuming cold foods or beverages, and breathing cold air may cause these unpleasant nerve sensations. Jaw spasm, abnormal tongue sensation, dysarthria, eye pain, and a feeling of chest pressure have also been observed.

If you develop nerve problems, the amount of ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection) in your next treatment may be changed or ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection) treatment may be stopped.

A less common symptom of ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection) related neuropathy is pharyngolaryngeal dysesthesia. This is the sensation of tightness or discomfort in the throat, making it seem difficult to breathe or swallow. Although this symptom may be frightening, it is just a sensation and does not really interfere with breathing. The sensation usually goes away on its own after a few minutes.

Many of these neuropathy symptoms may decrease over time and frequently recur with further dosing. Symptoms may resolve on their own after treatment or by following a few easy steps, such as avoiding contact with cold objects.

Visit coping suggestions for ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection) side effects for more suggestions on coping with neuropathy symptoms. Talk to your doctor right away if you have any signs of neuropathy.

Symptoms of ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection) related neuropathy

People may experience more debilitating ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection) related neuropathy, which may interfere with daily activities such as the following:

  • Writing
  • Buttoning clothes
  • Swallowing
  • Difficulty walking
  • Picking up things

ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection) side effects

People taking ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection) for the treatment of stage III colon or advanced colorectal cancer may experience the following side effects:

  • Neuropathy (nerve changes that can cause tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, or other altered sensations)
  • Neutropenia (a lower-than-normal number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell)
  • Thrombocytopenia (a lower-than-normal number of platelets)
  • Anemia (a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells)
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Stomatitis (sores in the mouth)

Get Questions for Your Doctor.

Important Safety Information

Anaphylactic-like reactions to ELOXATIN have been reported and may occur within minutes of ELOXATIN administration. Epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines have been employed to alleviate symptoms.

  • Do not take ELOXATIN if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in ELOXATIN or other medicines that contain platinum. Tell your doctor right away if you feel like your throat is closing up, have shortness of breath, a flushed face, a rash, itching/hives, swelling of lips or tongue, sudden cough, dizziness, sweating or chest pain.
  • ELOXATIN can cause nerve problems. Tell your doctor right away if you become sensitive to cold temperatures and cold objects; have trouble breathing, swallowing or saying words; experience jaw tightness, odd feelings in your tongue, or chest pressure; pain; tingling or burning in your hands, feet or around your mouth or throat.
  • Tell your doctor if you develop a dry cough or have trouble breathing; these may be signs of serious lung disease.
  • ELOXATIN can cause liver problems (hepatotoxicity); your doctor will do blood tests to watch for this.
  • Because of the potential risk of fetal harm, pregnant women should not receive ELOXATIN. Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant while receiving ELOXATIN.
  • ELOXATIN can cause a decrease in white blood cells, which can lead to infections. Tell your doctor right away if develop any of the following signs of infection: fever, chills, or shivering; cough that brings up mucus, burning or pain on urination, pain on swallowing; sore throat; or redness or swelling at injection site.
  • Other common side effects of ELOXATIN include a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and tiredness.
  • Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins and herbal supplements.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of ELOXATIN. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Please click here for full prescribing information including boxed WARNING.