Eloxatin and/or Equivalents

Drug	Related Drug Names
Eloxatin 5mg/ml and/or Equivalents	Oxaliplatin, Taro-Oxaliplatin

Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin)

Eloxatin Description

Oxaliplatin is a co-ordination complex used in the process of cancer chemotherapy. This is the primary ingredient in Eloxatin. These drugs are platinum based and are grouped as alkylating agents although these are not basically alkylating groups. Discovered in 1976 by Professor Yoshinori Kidani, Oxaliplatin was given US patent in 1979. It was developed as advanced treatment for colorectal cancer and in-licensed by Debiopharm. This drug was later licensed in 1994 to Sanofi – Aventis. The FDA approval came in 2002. Sanofi – Aventis marketed the drug in the trade name Eloxatin.

Eloxatin has always been available in the form of 50 mg as well as 100 mg single use vials. In 2007, a 200 mg single use vial was also introduced. This higher dosage has been introduced to offer convenience to patients. Eloxatin is administered to you though your veins. The right amount for you is determined by your health care professional. Sometimes, few other medicines can be given to you before administering Eloxatin in order to avoid vomiting and nausea. Store the drug away from heat, light and moisture.

Conditions treated by Eloxatin

Eloxatin is usually administered with leucovorin and fluorouracil together called as FOLFOX for treating colorectal cancer. The drug is also used after adjuvant (surgical) treatment of cancer (colorectal). This cancer medication interferes with cancer cells’ growth and retards their growth as well as spread in your body. This antineoplastic functions by terminating cancer cells as well as bringing down the growth rate of tumor. Colon and rectal cancers are treated with this drug along with (in combination) other cancer medications.

Adults with stage III colon cancer post surgery can be treated using this drug for removing tumor. The chances of colon cancer may return in certain patients and this drug helps to lower those chances.

Eloxatin Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

The oxaliplatin injection is usually given along with leucovorin and 5 – fluorouracil every two weeks. This treatment cycle after surgery is given twelve times in a 6 month time period and is the usual recommended dose. For treating advanced colorectal cancer, the treatment goes on until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. You need to consult your doctor to determine the course of your treatment. Every course is given over a period of 2 days and Eloxatin is administered to you on the first day. A 14 day gap is maintained between every chemotherapy course of treatment.

Before every cycle of oxaliplatin is received, your health care professional will conduct certain blood tests on you. This is primarily done because Eloxatin has the potential to affect bone marrow (blood cells production is done here). The tests determine counts of platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells. The results decide your doctor’s decision to lower, discontinue or delay your dosing routine.

b.) Missing A Dose

If you have missed an appointment with your health care professional for an Eloxatin injection, contact him as soon as possible.

c.) Overdosing

If you believe you have received too much of this injection, get emergency medical attention. Symptoms of overdosing include shallow or weak breathing, slow heart rate, chest pain, breathing troubles, wheezing, flu symptoms, tingling or numbness, diarrhea, severe vomiting, unusual weakness and easy bleeding or bruising.

Eloxatin Warnings

Eloxatin has the potential to make you sensitive to cold. Therefore, you should avoid cold objects and cold temperatures that include consumption of cold drinks and ice as well as exposure of skin to cold temperatures. Stay away from people who have flu, cold or similar contagious ailments. If you have developed any signs of such infection, consult your doctor immediately. Side effects of Eloxatin can cause vision impair. Hence driving and activities requiring alertness should be done with caution. The drug can bring down blood cells that are helpful for your body to fight infections. This makes you prone to easy bleeding or losing immunity and contacting infections quickly.

Blood tests, liver and kidney function must be tested periodically. If you have a liver disease, breathing disorder such as asthma or a nerve problem, you may need to take dose adjustments. The drug can cause harm to unborn babies. Therefore, it is imperative you seek your doctor’s advice if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. While taking this drug, use a successful form of birth control to avoid becoming pregnant. The effects of the drug on new born babies through breast milk are not established. Hence, consulting your doctor while you are breastfeeding is important.

Eloxatin Side Effects

You may experience side effects within a few minutes of having the drug injected into your vein. You have to inform your doctor if you experience the following:

• feeling like you may pass out
• feel a redness or warmth in your face
• experience chest pain
• diarrhea
• feel sweaty, itchy or confused
• feel breath shortness

Any allergic reaction to Eloxatin can arise in the form of:

• swelling of face, lips, tongue and throat
• breathing difficulties
• hives and rashes

Some of the serious side effects to this drug include:

• tingly feeling or numbness near mouth, throat, feet or hands
• burning sensation interfering with routine activities
• high sensitivity to cold objects or temperatures
• swallowing
• speech problems
• eye pain
• tightness in chest and jaw

Other serious side effects may be:

• sudden cough
• flu symptoms
• body aches
• chills
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• fever
• less urination
• dry mouth
• increased thirst
• blurred vision
• unusual weakness and sores or white patches inside lips or mouth.

Less serious problems are:

• appetite loss
• stomach pain
• nausea
• constipation
• fatigue
• hair loss
• decreased sensation of taste
• headache
• muscle pain
• insomnia
• back pain or swelling

Possible Drug Interactions With Eloxatin

When you are to receive Eloxatin, you have to inform you doctor if you are taking a blood thinner like Coumadin (warfarin). Certain other drugs can interfere with the functioning of Eloxatin and therefore it is imperative you inform your doctor of any over the counter and prescription drugs, herbal products, minerals or vitamins you may be taking. The injection should not be received if you are allergic to oxaliplatin or other medications such as Cisplatin or Paraplatin (carboplatin).

If you have any questions about buying discount Eloxatin online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.