Oxaliplatino Aurobindo (Oxaliplatin)

Oxaliplatin is employed in the management of solid tumours that are part of the colorectal and gastric cancer pathways.

• Metastatic colorectal cancer: improves overall survival when combined with fluoropyrimidine therapy.
• Adjuvant colorectal cancer: reduces disease recurrence after surgical resection.
• Advanced gastric cancer: used in combination regimens to control tumour growth.

• Oxaliplatin forms reactive platinum‑DNA adducts that cause intra‑ and inter‑strand cross‑links, disrupting DNA replication and transcription. The resulting DNA damage triggers apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells, while sparing most normal tissues due to differential repair capacity.

Oxaliplatin is associated with a range of adverse reactions that vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting: may require antiemetic support.
• Peripheral neuropathy: tingling or numbness, often dose‑related.
• Neutropenia: reduced white blood cell count increasing infection risk.
• Anemia: decreased red blood cells causing fatigue.
• Diarrhoea: may be mild to moderate.
• Fatigue: generalised tiredness during treatment.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe allergic reactions: anaphylaxis or infusion‑related hypersensitivity.
• Pulmonary toxicity: interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis.
• Febrile neutropenia: fever with low neutrophil count requiring urgent care.
• Thrombocytopenia: low platelet count leading to bleeding.
• Cardiac arrhythmias: irregular heart rhythms in susceptible patients.
• Tumour lysis syndrome: rapid tumour breakdown causing metabolic disturbances.

Oxaliplatin requires careful monitoring and specific safety measures before and during therapy.

• Renal function assessment: evaluate creatinine clearance prior to each cycle.
• Neuropathy monitoring: assess sensory changes and adjust dose if needed.
• Hematologic surveillance: perform regular CBC to detect cytopenias.
• Concomitant ototoxic drugs: avoid or limit use of agents that may worsen hearing loss.
• Adequate hydration: ensure sufficient fluid intake to support renal clearance.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in original container, protect from moisture and light.

Oxaliplatin may interact with other medicines, influencing efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Concurrent platinum agents: additive toxicity, especially neuro‑ and nephro‑toxicity.
• High‑dose radiation therapy: increased risk of tissue damage.
• Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., cisplatin, aminoglycosides): may exacerbate renal impairment.
• Strong myelosuppressive agents: heightened risk of severe cytopenias.
• Live vaccines: potential for reduced vaccine efficacy.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• NSAIDs: can affect renal function, monitor creatinine.
• Diuretics: may increase dehydration risk, watch fluid balance.
• Calcium channel blockers: possible alteration of drug clearance.
• Anticoagulants: monitor for bleeding if thrombocytopenia occurs.
• Erythropoiesis‑stimulating agents: adjust dosing based on blood counts.