Oxaliplatin + Lactose Monohydrate

Oxaliplatin + Lactose Monohydrate — Uses and Benefits

Oxaliplatin is used mainly in the treatment of colorectal (colon and rectal) cancer, often in combination with other chemotherapy medicines.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treatment of advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer
• Treatment after surgery to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer coming back (adjuvant therapy)
• Sometimes used in combination regimens for other gastrointestinal cancers as advised by the oncologist

HOW IT WORKS

• Oxaliplatin is a platinum compound that binds to the DNA of cancer cells
• This damages the DNA and stops the cancer cells from dividing and growing
• Damaged cancer cells eventually die, slowing down or shrinking the tumour
• Lactose monohydrate acts as an inactive stabilising/filler ingredient in the formulation

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for minor or non-cancerous illnesses
• Not a cure for all cancer types; it works only for specific cancers as decided by the oncologist
• Not to be self-administered or used without hospital supervision
• Not used as a painkiller or general anti-inflammatory agent

How to Use Oxaliplatin + Lactose Monohydrate

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Given only as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a trained healthcare professional in a hospital or chemotherapy day-care unit
• Never self-administered at home
• Given in cycles, with gaps between doses as decided by the oncologist based on your cancer type, response, and blood counts
• Avoid exposure to cold drinks, cold air, or cold objects around the time of infusion, as it can worsen nerve-related sensitivity
• Blood tests are usually done before each cycle to check if it is safe to continue

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Since this medicine is given in hospital under supervision, missed doses are rescheduled by the treating team
• Contact your hospital or oncologist immediately if you are unable to attend a scheduled infusion appointment
• Do not try to make up for a missed dose on your own

STORAGE

• Stored and handled only by hospital pharmacy and nursing staff under controlled conditions
• Protected from light and stored at recommended temperatures as per manufacturer instructions
• Not meant to be stored at home

Oxaliplatin + Lactose Monohydrate — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Numbness, tingling, or cold sensitivity in hands, feet, or throat
• Tiredness and weakness
• Loss of appetite

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Mouth sores
• Hair thinning
• Taste changes
• Mild fever
• Injection site discomfort

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe allergic reaction: swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing, severe rash
• Signs of severe infection: high fever, chills, due to low white blood cell count
• Unusual bleeding or bruising due to low platelet count
• Severe or persistent diarrhoea or vomiting leading to dehydration
• Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or throat spasm during infusion
• Severe or worsening numbness affecting daily activities (may indicate nerve damage)

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Oxaliplatin + Lactose Monohydrate — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only on prescription and is administered under specialist supervision. It is a Schedule H/H1 prescription-only chemotherapy medicine in India and cannot be bought or used without a valid prescription from a qualified oncologist.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy, unless specifically advised by your oncologist
• Are breastfeeding
• Have had a severe allergic reaction to oxaliplatin or other platinum compounds before
• Have severe kidney impairment, unless dose-adjusted by your doctor

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have any nerve-related problems (numbness, tingling) already
• Have kidney or liver disease
• Have a history of allergies to platinum-based drugs
• Are on any other chemotherapy or immunosuppressive medicines
• Have a low blood cell count or bleeding disorder

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other chemotherapy drugs affecting bone marrow function
• Live vaccines, which should be avoided during treatment
• Nephrotoxic drugs (medicines that can affect kidney function)
• Blood thinners, as bleeding risk may increase

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will I lose my hair with this treatment?

Hair thinning can occur but complete hair loss is less common with oxaliplatin compared to some other chemotherapy drugs.

Why do I need to avoid cold things after the infusion?

Oxaliplatin can cause cold-triggered nerve sensitivity, so cold drinks, air, and objects can worsen tingling or numbness for a few days after infusion.

How will my doctor monitor me during treatment?

• Regular blood tests and nerve function checks are done before each cycle to ensure it is safe to continue treatment.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.