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How is oxaliplatin given?

Oxaliplatin is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up at least 2 hours to complete.

Oxaliplatin is usually given as part of a 2-day treatment every 2 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Receiving oxaliplatin can make you more sensitive to cold. This includes exposure to cold temperature and coming into contact with cold objects. To prevent discomfort, follow these steps:

• do not inhale deeply when you are exposed to cold air;

• cover your skin, head, and face when you are outside in cold temperatures;

• wear gloves when handling cold objects or refrigerated foods;

• do not run an air conditioner at very cool temperature in your home or car (even during hot weather);

• do not drink cold drinks or use ice cubes in drinks;

• do not put ice packs on your body.

Chemotherapy often causes nausea or mouth sores. Do not eat ice chips to ease these discomforts because you will be more sensitive to cold. Talk to your doctor about other ways to treat nausea or mouth sores. You may be given other medications to prevent nausea or vomiting while you are receiving oxaliplatin.

Oxaliplatin can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be testeed. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss an appointment for your oxaliplatin injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include wheezing, trouble breathing, numbness or tingling, severe vomiting, chest pain, and slow heart rate.

What should I avoid while using oxaliplatin?

Avoid cold temperatures and cold objects, including ice, cold drinks, and skin exposure to cold temperatures.

Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

What are the possible side effects of oxaliplatin?

Some people receiving a oxaliplatin injection have had a reaction to the infusion within minutes after the medicine is injected into the vein. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel short of breath, confused, sweaty, itchy, or have diarrhea, chest pain, warmth or redness in your face, or feel like you might pass out. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• numbness or tingly feeling in your hands, feet, throat, and around your mouth;

• numbness or burning pain that interferes with daily activities;

• increased sensitivity to cold temperatures and cold objects;

• jaw or chest tightness, eye pain, strange feeling in your tongue, problems with speech or swallowing;

• fever, diarrhea, vomiting, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sudden cough;

• increased thirst, dry mouth, urinating less than usual;

• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or

• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

• diarrhea, constipation;

• tired feeling;

• hair loss;

• decreased taste sensation;

• muscle pain;

• headache;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• swelling; or

• back pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

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