Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) is a prescription medication combined with fluorouracil and leucovorin to treat advanced colon and rectum cancer. Stage 3 colon cancer occurs when the cancer has spread from its primary site to at least one lymph node. Advanced colorectal cancer occurs when the cancer has spread from the colon or rectum to other body parts. Eloxatin is given slowly as an infusion into a vein. The active ingredient in Eloxatin is Oxaliplatin. Oxaliplatin belongs to a class of drugs called platinum-based chemotherapeutic. It works by interfering with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

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Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while receiving Eloxatin. The most common side effects of Eloxatin may include the following:
• Burning pain;
• Diarrhea;
• Mouth sores;
• Nausea;
• Tiredness

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Increased sensitivity to cold;
• Painful urination;
• Severe or ongoing diarrhea or vomiting;
• Signs of low blood cell counts, including fever, chills, tiredness, skin sores, unusual bleeding, or cold hands and feet;
• Signs of severe allergic reaction, including excessive sweating, chest pain, light-headedness, rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat;
• Sudden chest pain

These are not all of the side effects of Eloxatin. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.

You should not receive Eloxatin if you are allergic to Oxaliplatin or any ingredient in Eloxatin. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have a breathing disorder;
• Have a family history of long QT syndrome;
• Have a nerve problem;
• Have an active or recent infection;
• Have an electrolyte imbalance;
• Have heart disease;
• Have kidney disease

Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Eloxatin and dronedarone, vaccines, thioridazine, artemether, alfuzosin, ciprofloxacin, vorinostat, etc. Avoid sotalol, quinidine, mefloquine, itraconazole, or fluoxetine, with Eloxatin. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Oxaliplatin can harm an unborn baby if the mother or father uses the medicine. If you are a woman, use effective birth control while receiving this medicine to prevent pregnancy and for at least 9 months after your last dose. If you are a man and your sex partner can get pregnant, use effective birth control while using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Oxaliplatin passes into breast milk in small amounts and may affect a nursing infant. Do not breastfeed while using this drug and for at least 3 months after your last dose. Use Eloxatin precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will administer Eloxatin slowly as an infusion into your vein. Receiving this drug can increase your sensitivity to cold. Cover your skin, head, and face when you are outside in cold temperatures. Do not drink cold drinks or use ice cubes in drinks. Avoid running an air conditioner at very cool temperatures in your home or car, even during hot weather. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Contact your doctor if you develop signs of infection. Eloxatin may cause blurred vision and impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how the drug affects you. Store at 200 to 250C.

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