Oxaliplatin IV

In Depth

Generic Name: OXALIPLATIN - INJECTION
Pronounced: (ox-AL-ih-plah-tin)

Oxaliplatin IV Warning

Oxaliplatin may rarely cause a severe (possibly fatal) allergic reaction within minutes after a dose. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing, dizziness).

Oxaliplatin IV Side Effects

Diarrhea, changes in taste, mouth sores, nosebleeds, tiredness, headache, dizziness, or trouble sleeping may occur. Nausea and vomiting may be severe in some patients. Your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Temporary hair loss may infrequently occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

pain/redness/swelling at the injection site
easy or unusual bruising/bleeding
mental/mood changes (e.g., depression)
signs of too much body water loss (e.g., decreased urination, increased thirst, dry mouth)
muscle cramps
weakness
pain/redness/swelling of the arms/legs
groin/calf pain
fainting

Oxaliplatin can sometimes affect how your nerves work (peripheral neuropathy). Tell your doctor immediately if you develop:

sensitivity to cold
trouble breathing/swallowing/speaking
jaw tightness
strange feeling in your tongue
eye pain
chest pressure
numbness/tingling/"pins and needles" sensation of the hands/feet/mouth/throat

You may lessen these types of nerve problems by avoiding cold drinks and ice and by dressing warmly. Tell your doctor immediately if your nerve problems begin to interfere with your normal daily activities (e.g., walking, writing, eating).

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