💉 DESCRIPTION
Oxaliplatin Injection 5 mg/mL is a platinum-based antineoplastic agent used primarily in the treatment of colorectal cancer, especially in combination therapies like FOLFOX. It is provided as a ready-to-use aqueous solution in single-dose vials.
- Generic Name: Oxaliplatin
- Strength: 5 mg/mL
- Volume: 20 mL vial = 100 mg
- Route: Intravenous infusion
- Therapeutic Class: Alkylating agent (Platinum derivative)
- Common Brands: Eloxatin®, Oxitan®, Oxplat
✅ ADVANTAGES
- Effective in early-stage and metastatic colorectal cancer
- Better tolerability than cisplatin in terms of kidney and ear toxicity
- Compatible with 5-FU and leucovorin for synergistic effects
- Can be administered without aggressive hydration
- Non-vesicant (low risk of severe tissue damage if extravasated)
🌿 NATURE / MECHANISM OF ACTION
- Oxaliplatin enters cells and forms DNA-platinum adducts, disrupting DNA replication and transcription
- Causes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis
- Effective in fluorouracil-resistant tumors
- Distinct mechanism and resistance profile compared to cisplatin/carboplatin
⚠️ PRECAUTIONS
- Neurotoxicity is dose-limiting:
- Acute: triggered/exacerbated by cold exposure (e.g., cold drinks, AC)
- Chronic: cumulative, can affect daily activities
- Hematologic: Monitor for neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia
- Hypersensitivity reactions: Can occur, especially after multiple cycles
- Hepatotoxicity: Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome
- Pulmonary toxicity: Rare but serious
- Avoid aluminum-containing IV sets or needles (inactivates oxaliplatin)
- Do not mix with saline/NaCl – causes degradation
🧊 STORAGE
- Store between 2°C to 8°C (refrigerated)
- Protect from light
- Do not freeze
- Once diluted in D5W:
- Stable for 24 hours at 2–8°C
- Must be used within 6 hours at room temperature
- Use aseptic precautions during handling
👨⚕️ PATIENT ADVICE
- Avoid cold food/drinks, cold air, or ice for at least 5–7 days post-infusion
- Report symptoms like numbness, tingling, difficulty swallowing, fever, or bleeding
- Drink plenty of fluids after treatment
- Avoid pregnancy during and for at least 6 months after therapy
- Blood tests (CBC, liver function) required regularly
- Notify healthcare provider if you develop signs of allergic reactions or shortness of breath
📦 PACKAGING
- 20 mL glass vial
- Contains: Oxaliplatin 5 mg/mL = 100 mg per vial
- Single-dose vial with rubber stopper, aluminum seal, and flip-off cap
- Label includes:
- Strength and total volume
- Storage instructions
- Batch number, expiry date
- “Cytotoxic – Handle with care” warning
- Typically sealed in a secondary carton box with package insert