About oxaliplatin
Platinum-based chemotherapy medicine
Used for
- Treats colorectal cancer, often with fluorouracil and folinic acid.
- Used for some other gastrointestinal cancers in combination chemotherapy.
Usual adult dose
Usually 85 mg/m² by intravenous infusion every 2 weeks with combination chemotherapy; regimen and duration vary.
Common side effects
- Numbness, tingling, or sensitivity to cold
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or mouth sores
- Low blood-cell counts and increased infection risk
- Infusion reactions, including rash or breathing difficulty
Important warnings
- Can cause serious allergic reactions during infusion.
- Nerve problems may worsen with repeated treatment or cold exposure.
- Blood counts and kidney function require monitoring.
- Only trained clinicians should prepare and administer this chemotherapy.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Avoid pregnancy during treatment and use effective contraception; discuss timing with the oncology team.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment; ask the oncology team when it may be safe to resume.
Interactions
- Other medicines that can damage nerves, kidneys, or blood cells may increase toxicity.
- Tell the oncology team about all medicines, including supplements and vaccines.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.