Eloxatin
Generic Name:
Brand Names:
Eloxatin
Eloxatin Description:
Eloxatin is an anticancer medication formulated from oxaliplatin, a platinum based alkylating agent known for killing cancer cells. It is used in combination with the chemotherapy regimen of infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin. This medication is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis US and is used in patients with colon and rectal cancer.
Eloxatin is available in single-use vials. Each vial contains 50 mg or 100 mg of oxaliplatin as sterile preservative-free lyophilized powder for reconstitution.
Eloxatin Uses:
Eloxatin is used in combination with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (5-FU/LV) for treatment of stage III colorectal cancer in patients who have undergone the surgical removal of the original or primary tumors. This medication can also be used for the treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer.
Eloxatin worked by killing cancerous cells within the body, and slows the reproduction of the cells and tumor growth.
Eloxatin Interactions:
Eloxatin should not be used along with following vaccines. Inform your doctor if you are required to receive any of these vaccinations while receiving doses of Eloxatin:P
- Measles virus vaccine
- Rubella virus vaccine
- Typhoid vaccine
- Yellow fever vaccine
- Varicella virus vaccine
- Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin Vaccine
- Mumps virus vaccine
- Smallpox vaccine
- Poliovirus vaccine
- Rotavirus vaccine
- Influenza virus vaccine
Eloxatin Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Patients should receive Eloxatin combined with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin once every two weeks. The medication is injected into the vein by an experienced medical professional. Eloxatin will typically take up to two hours for a patient to receive through an IV.
Missing a Dose
Eloxatin must be given by an experienced physician and missing a dose is unlikely. Patients should keep all medical appointments and contact a doctor if a dose of Eloxatin is missed.
Overdosing
Over dose on Eloxatin can lead to thrombocytopenia, allergic reactions, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, myelosuppression, and neurotoxicity. Other adverse reactions associated with overdose of this medication are:
- Anemia
- Stomatitis
- Enlarged abdomen
- Flatulence
- Dehydration
- Dyspnea and wheezing
- Chest pain
- Bradycardia
- Respiratory failure
- Sensory neuropathy
- Death
There is no specific antidote to Eloxatin. Patients should be treated with supportive therapy for the overdose of this medication.
Emergency medical attention should be received following an overdose of Eloxatin.
Eloxatin FDA Approval:
January 31, 2005
Eloxatin Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There are no recalls for this medication.
Anaphylactic Reaction
Eloxatin has a Black Box Warning regarding the possibility for anaphylactic reactions. It has been reported that fatal anaphylactic reactions can occur within minutes after the administration of Eloxatin. The major symptoms associated with an anaphylactic reaction include:
- Skin changes like pruritus, urticaria, rash, and erythema
- Bronchospasm
- Hypotension
- Diarrhea
- Flushing of face
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Diaphoresis
- Disorientation
- Syncope
Anaphylactic reactions due to the use of Eloxatin can be treated with epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines.
Sources:
- http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=56643
- http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009
/021492s011,021759s009lbl.pdf - http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformation
forPatientsandProviders/ucm113748.htm - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR601819/METHOD=print
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July 30, 2010, 2:23 pm
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