Take care to avoid the following while using Oxaliplatin?
• Avoid cold temperatures and cold objects. Cover your skin if you must go outside in cold temperatures. The following is a list of ways you can reduce the side effect caused by cold temperatures:
- do not breathe deeply when exposed to cold air;
- wear gloves to remove items from the refrigerator or freezer;
- do not run the air conditioner on high in the house or in the car;
- do not drink cold drinks or use ice cubes in drinks;
- do not put ice packs on your body;
- Do Not use ice chips if you have nausea or mouth sores. Ask your nurse about what you can use.
• Oxaliplatin can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with oxaliplatin. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.
What are the possible side effects of oxaliplatin?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects from oxaliplatin, contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; sudden cough; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; rash or hives);
- decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, or signs of infection such as redness or swelling at the intravenous site, pain on swallowing, cough that brings up mucous, sore throat, shivering or pain on urination);
- diarrhea, frequent bowel movements or watery stools;
- vomiting that is persistent;
- signs of dehydration (too much water loss) such as, tiredness, thirst, dry mouth, lightheadedness, dizziness and decreased urination);
- signs of nerve damage such as: becoming very sensitive to cold temperatures and cold objects, trouble breathing, swallowing or saying words, jaw tightness, odd feelings in your tongue, chest pressure, pain, tingling, burning, a "pins and needles" feeling or a numbing of your hands, feet or around your mouth or throat;
- swelling of hands, legs or feet.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking oxaliplatin and talk to your doctor if you experience:
- a dry cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
- fatigue or weakness;
- mild to moderate diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite;
- sores in the mouth or throat;
- back pain.
• Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment with oxaliplatin.
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