Oxaliplatin-Gry Teva (Oxaliplatin)

Oxaliplatin is a platinum‑based chemotherapeutic agent used primarily within the colorectal cancer treatment pathway.

• Colorectal cancer: enhances tumour response when combined with fluorouracil and leucovorin in adjuvant or metastatic settings.
• Gastric cancer: contributes to tumour control as part of combination regimens.
• Pancreatic cancer: used in multi‑drug protocols to improve progression‑free survival.
• Ovarian cancer: added to standard chemotherapy to increase overall response rates.
• Esophageal cancer: incorporated into combination therapy to augment tumour shrinkage.
• Small‑cell lung cancer: employed in select protocols aiming to boost response rates.

• Oxaliplatin exerts its anticancer activity by forming reactive platinum‑DNA adducts that distort the DNA helix, inhibiting replication and transcription. The resulting DNA cross‑links trigger cell‑cycle arrest and apoptosis, particularly in rapidly dividing tumour cells, while sparing most normal tissues at therapeutic doses.

Oxaliplatin may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to severe, that require monitoring during therapy.

Common Side Effects

• Peripheral neuropathy: tingling or numbness, often dose‑dependent.
• Nausea and vomiting: may occur during or after infusion.
• Diarrhoea: typically mild to moderate.
• Fatigue: generalized tiredness during treatment cycles.
• Elevated liver enzymes: transient increase in transaminases.
• Thrombocytopenia: reduced platelet count observed in blood tests.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe peripheral neuropathy: persistent sensory loss that may be irreversible.
• Acute hypersensitivity reactions: flushing, rash, bronchospasm, or anaphylaxis.
• Hemolytic‑uremic syndrome: rare but potentially life‑threatening kidney injury.
• Severe neutropenia: marked drop in neutrophils increasing infection risk.
• Cardiac arrhythmias: uncommon electrical disturbances during infusion.
• Pulmonary toxicity: rare interstitial lung disease presenting with cough and dyspnoea.

Oxaliplatin should be administered with careful clinical oversight and patient monitoring.

• Renal function: assess baseline creatinine and adjust if impairment present.
• Hepatic function: monitor liver enzymes before each cycle.
• Neuropathy risk: evaluate pre‑existing neuropathy and adjust dose if needed.
• Hematologic status: perform complete blood count prior to infusion.
• Pregnancy and lactation: avoid use unless benefits outweigh risks; discuss with obstetric specialist.
• Store at below 25°C: keep in original packaging, protect from light and moisture.

Oxaliplatin may interact with several concomitant medicines, influencing efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants: increased bleeding risk during infusion.
• Nephrotoxic agents: heightened renal toxicity when combined.
• High‑dose vitamin C: may reduce platinum‑DNA binding effectiveness.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• CYP450 inducers: potential alteration of drug clearance.
• Immunosuppressants: additive bone‑marrow suppression.
• Electrolyte‑altering diuretics: may affect renal handling of the drug.