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Oxaliplatin is a chemotherapy drug that is given as a treatment for some types of cancer. It is most commonly used to treat cancer of the large bowel. This information describes oxaliplatin, how it is given and some of its possible side effects. It should ideally be read with our general information about chemotherapy.
If you have any further questions you can ask your doctor or nurse at the hospital where you are having your treatment, or speak to one of our cancer support service nurses.
Oxaliplatin is a colourless fluid.
Oxaliplatin may be given:
Chemotherapy is usually given as a course of several sessions (or cycles) of treatment over a few months. The length of your treatment and the number of cycles you have will depend on the type of cancer for which you are being treated. Your nurse or doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
Each person’s reaction to chemotherapy is different. Some people have very few side effects, while others experience more. The side effects described in this information will not affect everyone who is given oxaliplatin and may be different if you are having more than one chemotherapy drug.
We have outlined the most common side effects as well as rarer ones, so that you can be aware of them if they occur. However, we have not included those that are very rare and therefore extremely unlikely to affect you. If you notice any effects which you think may be due to the drug, but which are not listed in this information, please discuss them with your doctor, chemotherapy nurse or pharmacist.
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet Oxaliplatin can have an effect on the nerve endings, which is known as peripheral neuropathy. This may result in feelings of numbness or tingling, especially in the hands, feet, neck or throat.
For some people, these symptoms can be triggered by anything cold, such as iced drinks and cold air. If you notice that your symptoms are related to the cold you should avoid cold drinks and wrap up warmly in the cold weather. It is important to report your symptoms to your doctor as they may be controlled by slightly lowering the dose of the drug.
Sometimes the tingling or numbness may not happen with the first treatment, but after several treatments. This is known as a ‘cumulative effect’ and should improve after the treatment has finished.
Lowered resistance to infection Oxaliplatin can reduce the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection. This effect can begin seven days after treatment has been given. Your blood cells will then increase steadily and will usually have returned to normal before your next cycle of chemotherapy is due.
Contact your doctor or the hospital straight away if:
You will have a blood test before having more chemotherapy to make sure that your cells have recovered. Occasionally it may be necessary to delay your treatment if the number of blood cells (the blood count) is still low.
Bruising or bleeding Oxaliplatin can reduce the production of platelets (which help the blood to clot). Let your doctor know if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, blood spots or rashes on the skin, or bleeding gums.
Anaemia (low number of red blood cells) While having treatment with oxaliplatin you may become anaemic. This may make you feel tired and breathless. Let your doctor or nurse know if these symptoms are a problem.
Feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting) If you do feel sick this may begin a few hours after the treatment is given and last for a few days. Your doctor can prescribe very effective anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs to prevent, or greatly reduce, nausea and vomiting. If the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor; they can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective. Some anti-sickness drugs can cause constipation. Let your doctor or nurse know if this is a problem.
Diarrhoea This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but tell your doctor if it is severe or if it continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea.
Tiredness and feeling weak You may feel very tired. It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.
Difficulty swallowing and breathing problems Rarely the area around the voice box (larynx) can be affected by oxaliplatin. This can make you feel as if you can't swallow and can cause severe breathing difficulties. This is known as laryngeal spasm. It can be very frightening, but should only be a temporary side effect. This symptom may be triggered by cold and it is advisable to avoid things like cold drinks for a few days after treatment. It is important to let the doctor know if you have this side effect.
Allergic reaction Signs of an allergic reaction include skin rashes and itching, a high temperature, shivering, redness of the face, dizziness, headache, breathlessness and anxiety. You will be monitored for any signs of an allergic reaction during the treatment. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of these signs.
Sore mouth and ulcers Your mouth may become sore, or you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids, and cleaning your teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush, can help to reduce the risk of this happening. Tell your nurse or doctor if you have any of these problems, as special mouthwashes and medicines to prevent or clear any mouth infection can be prescribed.
Taste changes You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will usually come back after the treatment finishes.
Injection site When oxaliplatin is given it may cause pain along the vein, especially if it is given through a cannula. Let the nurse or doctor know if you experience any pain.
Risk of blood clots Cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having chemotherapy may increase this risk further. A blood clot may cause symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in a leg, or breathlessness and chest pain. Blood clots can be very serious so it is important to tell your doctor straightaway if you have any of these symptoms. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information.
Other medicines Some medicines can be harmful to take when you are having chemotherapy (including those you can buy in a shop or chemist). Let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, including non-prescribed drugs such as complementary therapies and herbal drugs.
Fertility Your ability to become pregnant or father a child may be affected by taking this drug. It's important to discuss fertility with your doctor before starting treatment.
Contraception It is not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while taking oxaliplatin, as the developing foetus may be harmed. It is important to use effective contraception while taking this drug, and for at least a few months afterwards. Again, if appropriate, discuss this with your doctor.
This section is based upon our Oxaliplatin factsheet which has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources, including:
For further references, please see general bibliography.
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