Basic Information on Eloxatin
Eloxatin injection is administered for additional treatment for patients with stage III colon cancer undergone total removal of the tumor and advanced colorectal cancers. Metastasis means spreading of the cancer cells or pathogenic micro organisms from one site to another part in the body or a secondary growth of the cancer cells. Eloxatin contains Oxaliplatin, a platinum based anticancer chemotherapy drug. This drug acts by binding DNA, the genetic material inside cancer cells and prevents them from multiplying abnormally.
Eloxatin is given as a drip over two to six hours into a vein, along with infusional 5-flurouracil and leucovorin. The therapy is expected to help metastatic colon or rectal cancers which have recurred or increased within six months following treatment with 5-flurouracil and leucovorin.
Precautions / Side Effects of Eloxatin
Even as it inhibits the growth of the cancer cells, Oxaliplatin can also affect other cells like blood cells. Therefore, you must undergo treatment with Eloxatin strictly administered by a qualified doctor experienced in chemotherapy. Choose a health center which has appropriate diagnostic facilities as you would require periodical tests to monitor blood cell levels. Care should be taken to prevent any rapid and life threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, by considering treatment with epinephrine, corticosteroids and antihistamines.
Increasing the Eloxatin infusion time from two hours to six hours may reduce the severity of toxicity. You should avoid using this drug if you are pregnant. Practice contraception for six months after the treatment if you are a man and for four months if you are a woman. Do not breastfeed if you have a baby.
Possible side effects of Oxaliplatin include fatigue, diarrhea, peripheral neuropathy, anemia, or thrombocytopenia. If you notice any of these symptoms, inform your doctor who would control them by varying the Oxaliplatin dosage or by supplementing other medication with Eloxatin drug.
Eloxatin Dosage
Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) is administered as drip into the vein along with infusional 5-flurouracil and leucovorin every two weeks. Additional recommended treatment for 12 cycles spread over six months and for advanced conditions, medication is required till control is achieved. On the first day, Eloxatin 85 mg/m2 IV infusion in 250-500 ml 5% Dextrose injection, USP (D5W) and leucovorin 200 mg/m2 IV infusion in D5W in separate bags are given simultaneously over a period of two hours. This will then follow the 5-FU 400 mg/m2 IV bolus given between 2 and 4 minutes. Subsequently 5-FU 600 mg/m2 IV infusion in 500 ml D5W as a 22 hour continual infusion is recommended.
On the second day, leucovorin 200 mg/m2 IV infusion over two hours will follow 5-FU 400 mg/m2 IV bolus over two to four minutes. Subsequently 5-FU 600 mg/m2 IV infusion in 500 ml D5W as a 22 hour continual infusion is recommended. Medication with antiemetic including 5-HT3 blockers with dexamethasone is recommended before administering the drug. Pre-hydration is not necessary.
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