Eloxatin

How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient oxaliplatin, which is a platinum-based type of anticancer chemotherapy medicine. Cancers form when cells within the body multiply abnormally and uncontrollably. These cells spread, destroying nearby tissues. Oxaliplatin works by stopping the cancer cells from multiplying. It does this by binding together the strands of the cells' genetic material, DNA. DNA is needed for growth and multiplication of cells. Oxaliplatin damages the DNA inside the cancer cells and so prevents them from multiplying. Unfortunately, oxaliplatin can also affect normal, healthy cells, particularly those that multiply quickly, such as blood cells. The most important side effect is on the bone marrow where blood cells are made. Oxaliplatin can decrease the production of blood cells, leaving people susceptible to infection. Regular blood tests are therefore needed to monitor the levels of blood cells. In most chemotherapy regimens, doses are administered in courses at various intervals to allow normal cells to recover from the adverse effects of the anticancer medicines between doses. However, during this period, cancer cells will also recover and start to replicate again. Successful treatment depends on the administration of the next course of therapy before the cancer has regrown to its previous size and the net effect is to decrease the amount of cancer with each successive course. Oxaliplatin is used to treat cancer of the colon that is described as stage III (Duke's C). It is given after the tumour has been surgically removed in order to reduce the chance of it coming back. It is also used to treat colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Oxaliplatin is used in combination with another chemotherapy medicine called fluorouracil (5-FU), and a medicine called calcium folinate (folinic acid) that boosts the effectiveness of the 5-FU. Oxaliplatin is given by a drip into a vein over 2 to 6 hours, depending on how well it is tolerated. It should always be given before the 5-FU.

What is it used for?

Stage III (Duke's C) colon cancer

Cancer of the large bowel and rectum that has spread to other parts of the body

Warning!

Chemotherapy medicines can decrease the number of white blood cells in your body and therefore increase your susceptibility to infections. For this reason, your doctor will want to monitor the levels of your blood cells, and you should tell your doctor immediately if you develop a sore mouth or throat, fever, unusual bleeding, any infections, or begin to feel generally unwell during or after treatment.

If you experience any side effects either during or after the infusion of this medicine, tell your doctor or nurse immediately, particularly if you experience any of the following: severe diarrhoea or vomiting, difficulty breathing or cough, difficulty swallowing, numbness or tingling in fingers or toes, a sore or inflamed mouth, abnormal bruising or bleeding, or discomfort at the injection site during the infusion.

People with decreased kidney function should have their kidney function monitored during treatment with this medicine.

Use with caution in

History of allergy to other platinum compounds

Moderately decreased kidney function

Not to be used in

Children

People with decreased production of blood cells by the bone marrow (myelosuppression) leaving them with low levels of white blood cells and platelets

People with numbness, weakness or tingling sensations in the extremities and difficulty in performing delicate tasks, eg buttoning clothes, before treatment starts

Severely decreased kidney function

Pregnancy

Breastfeeding

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is likely to be harmful to an unborn baby. It should not be used during pregnancy unless the mother has been informed of the risk and has given her consent. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk. Mothers who need to take this medicine should not breastfeed. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Fever (pyrexia)

Decreased production of blood cells by the bone marrow (bone marrow suppression)

Increased susceptibilty to infections

Disturbances of the gut such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, indigestion

Inflammation of the lining of the mouth (stomatitis)

Effects on the nerves, resulting in abnormal tingling or numb sensations in fingers or toes, difficulty performing delicate tasks, such as buttoning clothes, cramps, unpleasant sensations in the throat when swallowing that may feel like being short of breath, or tingling/shock sensations down the arms when moving the neck. These nerve effects are often triggered by exposure to cold.

Reactions at the injection site

Allergic skin reactions

Inflammation of the lining of the eye, causing pain and redness (conjunctivitis)

Inflammation of the lining of the nose (rhinitis) causing a blocked or runny nose

Fatigue

Weakness

Headache

Loss of appetite

Taste disturbance

Hair loss (alopecia)

Hearing problems (ototoxicity)

Lung disorders

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved