How is oxaliplatin given?
Oxaliplatin is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Oxaliplatin must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 2 hours to complete.
Oxaliplatin is usually given once every 2 weeks. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine.
You may be given medication to prevent nausea or vomiting.
Receiving oxaliplatin can make you more sensitive to cold, which can cause numbness, tingling, and muscle spasms. This includes exposure to cold temperature and coming into contact with cold objects. To prevent discomfort, follow these steps:
- do not inhale deeply when you are exposed to cold air;
- cover your skin, head, and face when you are outside in cold temperatures;
- wear gloves when handling cold objects or refrigerated foods;
- do not run an air conditioner at very cool temperature in your home or car (even during hot weather);
- do not drink cold drinks or use ice cubes in drinks;
- do not put ice packs on your body.
Chemotherapy often causes nausea or mouth sores. Do not eat ice chips to ease these discomforts because you will be more sensitive to cold. Talk to your doctor about other ways to treat nausea or mouth sores. You may be given other medications to prevent nausea or vomiting while you are receiving oxaliplatin.
Oxaliplatin can lower your blood cell counts. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.
Your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).