Generic name: oxaliplatin
Brand name: Eloxatin
Dosage form: intravenous (infusion) injection
Drug class:Alkylating agents
What is oxaliplatin?
Oxaliplatin is a cytotoxic chemotherapy drug used to treat cancer. It is a type of platinum drug and an alkylating agent.
Like other alkylating agents, oxaliplatin works by interfering with the development of DNA in a cell. It stops cells from growing and multiplying and kills them. This helps to treat cancer which is caused by cells rapidly growing and dividing out of control.
Oxaliplatin was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002.
What is oxaliplatin used for?
Oxaliplatin is an anti-cancer (chemotherapy) medicine that is used with other anti-cancer medicines called fluorouracil and leucovorin to treat people with:
- stage III colon cancer after surgery to remove the tumor
- advanced colon or rectal cancer (colorectal cancer)
It is not known if oxaliplatin is effective in children.
Important information
Oxaliplatin can cause serious allergic reactions, including allergic reactions that can lead to death.
Oxaliplatin is a platinum-based medicine. Serious allergic reactions including death can happen in people who take oxaliplatin and who have had previous allergic reactions to platinum-based medicines. Serious allergic reactions can happen within a few minutes of your oxaliplatin infusion or any time during your treatment with oxaliplatin.
Get emergency help right away if you:
- have trouble breathing
- feel like your throat is closing up
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction:
- rash
- flushed face
- hives
- itching
- swelling of your lips or tongue
- sudden cough
- dizziness or feel faint
- sw...
