We all know that fighting cancer is not easy. So when your doctor tells you to start chemotherapy, it's normal to feel a little scared, curious, and have a lot of questions about the medications that will be given. Today we're talking about Oxaliplatin, a very important drug that kills cancer cells. If you or a loved one is being treated with this, this article will help you a lot.
What kind of medicine is Oxaliplatin?
Simply put, Oxaliplatin is an anti-cancer drug , which is a chemotherapy drug. Cancer cells in our body are a type of cell that divides very quickly. This drug targets and destroys these rapidly dividing cells.
This medication is mainly used to treat cancers of the colon and rectum . Doctors also prescribe this medication for various other types of cancer. You may also find this medication under the brand name `Eloxatin`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before you start this treatment, it is very important for your safety that your doctor has a complete picture of your health condition. Because some medical conditions require special care when using this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor before starting treatment .
| Your health condition | Special things to inform the doctor about |
|---|---|
| Heart disease | If you have heart disease or an irregular heartbeat. |
| Liver disease | If you have any liver problems. |
| Blood disorders | If the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets in the blood is low. |
| Neurological disorders | If you have numbness, pain, or other nerve disorders in your limbs. |
| Respiratory diseases | If you have a lung or respiratory disease such as asthma. |
| Medications to prevent blood clots | If you are taking blood thinners. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to Oxaliplatin, other chemotherapy drugs, other medicines, foods, preservatives, or dyes. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How can I give you this medicine?
This medicine is not something you can take at home. It is an infusion, like saline, into a vein . So it is given in a hospital or clinic by a healthcare professional who is specially trained in this.
Important: If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose of this medicine, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, never share this medicine with anyone else.
What if I miss the day to take the medicine?
It is very important to take your medication on the scheduled date during treatment. If for some reason you are unable to go to the hospital on the scheduled date, call your doctor or the treatment unit immediately and let them know.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Other medications you are taking may interact with Oxaliplatin, so it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Type of medicine | Things to consider |
|---|---|
| Drugs that should never be taken with Oxaliplatin | |
| Taking these drugs with Oxaliplatin can cause serious heart rhythm problems. |
| When taking Oxaliplatin, be sure to tell your doctor about these medications. | |
| Painkillers | NSAID painkillers such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen. |
| Blood thinners | Drugs like Warfarin, Apixaban, Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban. |
| Other medications | Cisplatin, Cyclosporine, diuretics, some medications for infections, and other medications that affect the heart rate (QT interval). |
Things you should be especially careful about during treatment
Your medical team will be monitoring you closely throughout your treatment, and it is important that you take care of these things as well.
- Sensitivity to cold: This is a side effect specific to Oxaliplatin. Avoid cold water, ice cream, and ice cubes. Wear gloves when taking anything out of the refrigerator. If you are going out on a cold day, dress warmly and cover your mouth and nose with a muffler. This will allow warm air to enter your lungs. Tell your doctor about this sensitivity to cold.
- Pregnancy and fertility:
- Women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 9 months after stopping.
- Men: Avoid fathering a child while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping.
- This medication can cause ovarian failure in women and a decrease in sperm count in men. If you are hoping to have children, talk to your doctor about it before starting treatment.
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding while taking the medicine and for 3 months after stopping.
- Risk of infection: Chemo weakens the body's immune system. So if you develop symptoms like fever, cold, or sore throat, tell your doctor right away . Don't take medicine on your own. Stay away from sick people.
- Bleeding risk: Be careful when brushing and flossing your teeth. Bleeding may increase. If you are having dental treatment, tell your dentist that you are taking chemo.
What side effects can I expect?
Like any chemotherapy drug, Oxaliplatin can have side effects. But not everyone gets them. Don't worry, most of these can be managed.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Neurological disorders | Severe pain in the limbs, numbness, difficulty speaking, and stiffness in the jaw area. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Black, tarry stools, vomiting something that looks like coffee grounds, red spots on the skin, unusual bruising, bleeding from the nose and gums. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, sore throat, cough, urinary tract infection. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark urine, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, extreme fatigue. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Diarrhea, nausea, mouth sores, loss of appetite, changes in taste. |
| Other | Hair loss, fatigue. |
Take-Home Message
- Oxaliplatin is a powerful chemotherapy drug that kills cancer cells.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Sensitivity to cold is common during treatment, so avoid cold foods and drinks and cold environments.
- If serious symptoms such as fever, bleeding, or severe numbness occur, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you are hoping to have children, it is very important to discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment.
- If you have any concerns, questions, or fears, never hesitate to ask your doctor. You are not alone in this battle.
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