Oxaliplatin can cause a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have: rash, hives, itching, sweating; chest pain, warmth or redness in your face, feeling light-headed; sudden cough, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with  oxaliplatin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to oxaliplatin or similar medications such as carboplatin (Paraplatin) or cisplatin (Platinol).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
an active or recent infection;
kidney disease;
liver disease;
heart disease, heart rhythm disorder;
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of calcium, potassium, or magnesium in your blood);
breathing disorder; or
a nerve problem.
Oxaliplatin can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.
If you are a woman, do not use oxaliplatin if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 9 months after your last dose.
If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 6 months after your last dose.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using oxaliplatin.
This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because oxaliplatin can harm an unborn baby.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 3 months after your last dose.
How is oxaliplatin given?
Oxaliplatin is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Oxaliplatin must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 2 hours to complete.
Oxaliplatin is usually given once every 2 weeks. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine.
You may be given medication to prevent nausea or vomiting.
Receiving oxaliplatin can make you more sensitive to cold, which can cause numbness, tingling, and muscle spasms. This includes exposure to cold temperature and coming into contact with cold objects. To prevent discomfort, follow these steps:
do not inhale deeply when you are exposed to cold air;
cover your skin, head, and face when you are outside in cold temperatures;
wear gloves when handling cold objects or refrigerated foods;
do not run an air conditioner at very cool temperature in your home or car (even during hot weather);
do not drink cold drinks or use ice cubes in drinks;
do not put ice packs on your body.
Chemotherapy often causes nausea or mouth sores. Do not eat ice chips to ease these discomforts because you will be more sensitive to cold. Talk to your doctor about other ways to treat nausea or mouth sores. You may be given other medications to prevent nausea or vomiting while you are receiving oxaliplatin.
Oxaliplatin can lower your blood cell counts. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.
Your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor if you miss an appointment for your oxaliplatin injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
