Eloxatin (oxaliplatin) is a medication used to treat rectal and colon cancer. It is a chemotherapeutic drug that belongs to the drug category of platinum-containing antineoplastics. Eloxatin helps to reduce cancer cell growth in your body. According to the National Library of Medicine, you will typically receive 250 to 500ml of Eloxatin through intraveous (through the vein) infusion for a period of 6 months.
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, Eloxatin can cause such common side effects as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn and stomach pain. It can also cause mouth sores, poor appetite, fluctuations in your weight and the inability to taste food. Other side effects include diaphoresis (sweating), numbness or tingling, pain in your feet and hands, flatulence (gas), dry mouth, hiccups, anxiety and fatigue. Eloxatin can cause pain in your muscle, back and joints, depression, alopecia (hair loss) and peeling of the skin of your palms and soles of your feet. As a toxic medication, Eloxatin is expected to cause these side effects. However, inform your doctor if these symptoms become unbearable.
Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com says that Eloxatin can cause eye pain, chest or jaw constrictions, body aches, flu symptoms, increased sensitivity to cold, reduced vision and white patches to form on the mucus membranes of your mouth and lips. Eloxatin can also cause bruising, bleeding, excessive thirst and burning pain. Other dangerous side effects include epistaxis (nose bleeds), unsteadiness, chest pain, decreased urination, bloody urine or stools and a sore throat. Sometimes, Eloxatin can lead to edema (swelling) of your extremities and redness, swelling or pain at the injection site. Call your doctor immediately when these symptoms develop.
Other Concerns
According to the National Library of Medicine, do not use Eloxatin if you are pregnant. This medication can pose a serious threat to your child as it can cause decreased weight, soft bones and stunted growth.
Tell your doctor if you have liver, asthma or a nerve problem, says Drugs.com.The Eloxatin dosage may have to be adjusted to prevent the aforementioned side effects.
You should avoid people who have the flu, cold or other infections. Eloxatin lowers white blood cell counts and, subsequently, makes you susceptible to infection.
Tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin, vitamins, herbs and any other medications. The combination may interfere with Eloxatin's effectiveness and cause the aforementioned side effects.
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