💉 DESCRIPTION
Oxaliplatin Injection 5 mg/mL is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug used mainly in the treatment of colorectal cancer. It is typically combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (e.g., in the FOLFOX regimen).
- Generic Name: Oxaliplatin
- Strength: 5 mg/mL
- Volume: 10 mL vial (50 mg total)
- Form: Sterile solution for intravenous (IV) infusion
- Pharmacologic Class: Alkylating agent – Platinum compound
- Common Brand Names: Eloxatin®, Oxitan®, Oxitanex®
✅ ADVANTAGES
- Effective in colorectal cancer, both adjuvant and metastatic settings
- Synergistic action with 5-FU
- Less nephrotoxic and ototoxic than cisplatin
- Does not require hydration protocols like cisplatin
- Suitable for outpatient administration
🌿 NATURE / MECHANISM OF ACTION
- Forms platinum-DNA adducts that inhibit DNA replication and transcription, leading to cell death
- Causes apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells
- Acts primarily during the S-phase of the cell cycle
- Does not cross-link DNA in the same way as cisplatin, resulting in different activity and toxicity profile
⚠️ PRECAUTIONS
- Neurotoxicity: Major side effect — acute (cold-induced) and chronic peripheral neuropathy
- Bone marrow suppression: Monitor CBC (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)
- Hypersensitivity reactions: Risk increases with repeated cycles
- Gastrointestinal toxicity: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Hepatotoxicity: Sinusoidal injury may occur
- Pulmonary toxicity: Rare, but monitor for interstitial lung disease
- Avoid aluminum-containing IV sets or needles — reacts with oxaliplatin
- Pregnancy Category D: Contraindicated unless benefits outweigh risks
💊 DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION
- Administer via IV infusion only (never IV bolus)
- Common regimen (e.g., FOLFOX):
- 85 mg/m² every 2 weeks
- Dilute in 5% Dextrose Injection (D5W) only – do not use saline (NaCl causes degradation)
- Infusion over 2 to 6 hours, depending on protocol
- Use cold gloves/avoid cold drinks during and after infusion to reduce neurotoxicity
🧊 STORAGE
- Store between 2°C to 8°C (refrigerated)
- Protect from light
- Do not freeze
- Once diluted: Use immediately or store refrigerated for up to 24 hours
👨⚕️ PATIENT ADVICE
- Report signs of numbness, tingling, difficulty speaking, or swallowing
- Avoid cold exposure (e.g., cold beverages, refrigerated items) for several days after treatment
- Notify healthcare provider if experiencing fever, sore throat, bleeding, or jaundice
- Drink adequate fluids after infusion
- Use effective contraception during and after treatment
- Blood tests (CBC, LFTs) must be done regularly
📦 PACKAGING
- Vial: 10 mL clear glass vial
- Contains 50 mg of oxaliplatin (5 mg/mL)
- Closed with rubber stopper and aluminum seal with flip-off cap
- Labeled with:
- Strength, total volume, storage conditions
- “Cytotoxic: Handle with care” warning
- Batch number and expiry date