Frequently Asked Questions About ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection)
Below you will find answers to questions frequently asked by stage III colon and
advanced colorectal cancer patients undergoing treatment with ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin
injection).
ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection) is a chemotherapy drug (drug used to help fight
cancer) known as a platinum agent. ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection), combined with
the chemotherapy regimen of infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (5-FU/LV), is approved
by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of stage III colon cancer
after surgery to remove the tumor and advanced colon or rectal (colo-rectal cancer).
It is not known if ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection) works in children. Learn more.
ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection) is given to you through your veins (blood vessels).
Your doctor will prescribe ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection) in an amount that is
right for you. Learn more about
how ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection) is given.
There are side effects associated with ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection) chemotherapy.
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)
Note: The list of side effects on this Web page contains most, but not all,
side effects associated with ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection). Please contact your
healthcare provider to learn more about ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection) side effects.
Learn more about ELOXATIN (oxaliplatin injection) side effects.
Find out about ways to cope with ELOXATIN
(oxaliplatin injection) side effects.
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.