Oxaliplatin: how to take it safely
Eloxatin
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats bowel and other cancers.
How to take it
It is given by a cancer nurse or doctor, by drip into a vein. Your blood tests are checked before each cycle.
When to take it
Given by drip into a vein by a cancer nurse or doctor, as your specialist plans.
Take it with
Not applicable.
What to avoid
- Cold drinks, cold food and cold air for about 5 days after each cycle. Cold can cause painful tingling in the throat, hands and feet.
- Tell your team if you have nerve problems.
- Pregnancy and fathering a child during treatment. Use reliable contraception and ask your team how long to continue it.
- Live vaccines unless your cancer team says so.
- Contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox or flu.
- Alcohol, unless your team says it is safe.
Possible side effects
Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, tiredness, nausea, diarrhoea, low blood counts.
Get help if
Trouble breathing or swallowing, a rash, swelling of the face during the drip, severe numbness or fever and signs of infection: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.