Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• changes to sense of taste
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• fatigue
• hair loss
• hiccups
• pain at injection site
• loss of appetite
• mouth sores
• nausea and vomiting
• symptoms of nerve changes (such as tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, or unusual sensations)

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• increased blood pressure
• irregular heartbeat, dizziness. or fainting
• joint pain
• persistent cough (cough that doesn't seem to go away)
• persistent diarrhea (diarrhea that doesn't seem to go away)
• persistent vomiting (vomiting that doesn’t seem to go away)
• signs of Anemia (low red blood cells; e.g., dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath)
• signs of bleeding (e.g., bloody nose, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don't stop bleeding)
• signs of a blood clot in the arm or leg (tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in the arm or leg) or lungs (difficulty breathing, sharp chest pain that is worse when breathing in, coughing, coughing up blood, sweating, or passing out)
• signs of infection (symptoms may include Fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness)
• signs of kidney problems (e.g., increased urination at night, decreased urine production, blood in the urine)
• signs of muscle damage (e.g., muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, or brown or discoloured urine)
• symptoms of liver problems (such as yellow eyes or skin, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, pale stools, itchy skin, or dark urine)
• tingling or numbness in the hands and feet or muscle weakness that interferes with daily activities (buttoning clothes, swallowing, difficulty walking).
• vision changes

Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing, Hives, or swelling of the face or throat)
• symptoms of gastrointestinal (stomach or intestine) bleeding (such as blood in the stools; black, tarry stools; coughing or vomiting up of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; abdominal pain; shortness of breath; and weakness or fatigue)
• symptoms of lung problems (such as coughing, shortness of breath, or wheezing)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin).

Solution for injection

Each clear, glass, single-use vial with a gray stopper and crimping seal with flip-off cap containing 50 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg of Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) as a sterile, preservative-free, aqueous solution at a concentration of 5 mg/mL. Nonmedicinal ingredient: Water for Injection, USP.

Lyophilized powder for injection

50 mg vial
Each clear, single-use, glass vial with a gray stopper and crimping seal with flip-off cap containing 50 mg of Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) as a sterile, preservative-free lyophilized powder for reconstitution. Nonmedicinal ingredient: lactose monohydrate.

100 mg vial
Each clear, single-use, glass vial with a gray stopper and crimping seal with flip-off cap containing 100 mg of Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) as a sterile, preservative-free lyophilized powder for reconstitution. Nonmedicinal ingredient: lactose monohydrate.

Do not use Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) if you:

• are sensitive or allergic to Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) or any ingredients of Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin)
• are sensitive or allergic to any platinum-containing compounds (such as Cisplatin)
• are pregnant or breast-feeding
• have severely reduced kidney function

There may be an interaction between Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) and any of the following:

• amphotericin B
• BCG
• Bupropion
• Clozapine
• Denosumab
• echinacea
• Leflunomide
• other medications used to treat cancer (e.g., Cabazitaxel, Docetaxel, Topotecan)
• Phenytoin
• Tacrolimus
• vaccines
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Anemia: Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells, including red blood cells, in your blood.

Bleeding: Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily. Tell your doctor of any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly. Such symptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding.

Blood Clots: Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) may increase the chance of blood clot formation in the small blood vessels of the body, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.

If you have a history of clotting you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as Heart Attack, Stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.

Cold temperatures: Exposure to cold temperatures can cause prickling, tingling, or abnormal sensations in the hands, feet, mouth, or throat. It may also cause throat or chest tightness.

To reduce your risk of these problems, avoid cold temperatures and cold objects. For example, avoid cold drinks and do not use ice cubes in your drinks. Do not put ice packs on your body or use an air conditioner at high levels. If exposed to cold air, do not breathe deeply. If you are getting things out of the freezer or fridge, wear gloves.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) may cause dizziness, vision problems, and loss of sense of balance. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) affects you.

Gastrointestinal (stomach and bowel) problems: Rarely, Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) can cause perforation (holes) in the stomach or intestines. If you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, or black and tarry stools, contact your doctor immediately.

Heart rhythm: Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) can cause changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including the irregular heart rhythm QT prolongation. QT prolongation is a serious life-threatening condition that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems (e.g., people with heart failure, Angina, low potassium or magnesium levels), discuss with your doctor how Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). Avoid contact with people with contagious infections and tell your doctor if you begin to notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills.

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.

Kidney function: Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) can have harmful effects on the kidneys. If you experience signs of decreased kidney function, such as reduced urine production; fluid build-up; or swelling in the ankles, feet and hands; fatigue; or abdominal pain, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) may reduce liver function. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin).

If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Lung problems: Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) may cause lung problems that make breathing difficult, including interstitial lung disease. If you experience a cough that doesn't seem to go away, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Medical tests: While you are receiving treatment with Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin), your doctor will recommend regular blood tests to monitor the health of your liver, kidneys, and blood cells. You will also have regular neurological exams to check the health of your nervous system.

Neuropathy: Neuropathy, or nerve changes, may occur while you are receiving Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin). If you experience symptoms of nerve changes (such as tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, or throat; muscle weakness; or unusual sensations that affect your daily activities), contact your doctor. These symptoms are usually temporary but may continue long term. Although uncommon, some people experience a type of neuropathy which causes a sensation of tightness or discomfort in the throat. This symptom usually goes away after a few minutes. Contact your doctor if you have any concerns.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome: Very rarely, Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) can cause a reversible brain problem called PRES (posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome). If you develop a seizure, headache, weakness, confusion, loss of vision, or other vision changes while using Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin), get immediate medical attention.

Pregnancy: There is a possibility of birth defects if either the father or mother is using Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) at the time of conception, or if it is taken by the mother during pregnancy. Effective birth control should be practiced by both men and women while using Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin). If you become pregnant while taking Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin), contact your doctor immediately. This medication should not be used during pregnancy. Men should not father a child during treatment and for 6 months after receiving Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin).

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin), it may affect your baby. Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) should not be used by breast-feeding women.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) have not been established for children.