Chemotherapy Education

Oxaliplatin
(Eloxatin)

• Given intravenously

• Some of the side effects may include:

1. Peripheral Neuropathy
   • The symptoms may start anytime during treatment.
   • Report any of the following symptoms: sensitivity to cold objects, trouble breathing or swallowing, trouble saying words, jaw tightness, chest pressure, pain (electric shock) or tingling (pins and needles, numbness) in your hands, feet or around your mouth or throat.
   • **Cold temperatures may make these symptoms worse**
   • To reduce these symptoms :
   • Cover yourself with a blanket during your treatment
   • Do not breathe deeply when out in cold air. Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf to warm the air that goes into your lungs. (Cold air on the throat can cause a sensation of laryngospasm, where you may feel like you can’t breathe.) You never stop breathing, it’s just a sensation.
   • Wear warm clothing in cold weather at all times.
   • Wear gloves to remove things from the freezer or refrigerator.
   • Drink fluids warm or at room temperature. (Avoid cold drinks/ice cream as they may feel like broken glass on the throat.)
   • Be aware that most metals (car door, mail box) are cold to the touch, especially in the winter. Wear gloves to touch cold objects.
   • Do not run the air conditioning at high levels in the house or car in hot weather.
   • ***Remember if your body gets cold, warm up the affected part. If your hands get cold, wash them in warm water. All sensations go away when you are warmed up.
2. Bone Marrow Suppression (Myelosuppression)
   • Your red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC) and platelet counts may drop while you are taking Oxaliplatin.
   • This makes you prone to anemia, infection, and bleeding.
3. Nausea/vomiting
   • You will be given anti-nausea medication prior to treatment, and will receive prescriptions for home anti-nausea drugs.
4. Fatigue
   • You may have a certain amount of fatigue throughout the treatment period.
   • Moderate exercise, good nutrition, and rest can help remedy fatigue.
5. Diarrhea
   • Diarrhea may occur, especially when Oxaliplatin is used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.
6. Anorexia
   • Loss of appetite, and/ or changes in taste.

Front Range Cancer Specialists
"Fighting Cancer with Knowledge and Compassion"

Our Chemotherapy Clinic is located:
2315 East Harmony Road
Suite 110
Fort Collins, CO 80528

Phone 970 212 7600