Eloxatin is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s FDA-approved to treat the following cancers in adults:

  • Stage 3 colon cancer. This form of colon cancer occurs when the cancer has spread from the colon to at least one lymph node. For this use, Eloxatin is prescribed after surgery to remove the tumor from the colon.
  • Advanced colorectal cancer. This form of colorectal cancer occurs when the cancer has spread from the colon or rectum to other parts of the body.

For these cancers, Eloxatin is prescribed in combination with the chemotherapy drugs leucovorin (folinic acid) and fluorouracil.

For more information, see the “Eloxatin uses” section below.

Drug details

The active drug in Eloxatin is oxaliplatin. Eloxatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug.

Eloxatin comes as a liquid solution. It’s given as an IV infusion by a healthcare professional. You’ll receive Eloxatin infusions in a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital.

Eloxatin is available in two strengths: 50 milligrams (mg) and 100 mg.

Effectiveness

For information about the effectiveness of Eloxatin, see the “Eloxatin uses” section below.

Eloxatin is a brand-name drug that contains the active drug oxaliplatin. This active drug is also available as a generic medication. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If you’re interested in using the generic form of Eloxatin, talk with your doctor. They can tell you if it comes in forms and strengths that can be used for your condition.

The Eloxatin dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using Eloxatin to treat
  • your body surface area (BSA)*
  • other medical conditions you may have
  • side effects you may have

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

* BSA is measured in square meters (m2). Your doctor will calculate your BSA using your weight and height.

Drug form

Eloxatin comes as a liquid solution in a vial. It’s given as an IV infusion by a healthcare professional. You’ll receive Eloxatin infusions in a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital.

Drug strengths (50 mg and 100 mg)

Eloxatin is available in two strengths: 50 milligrams (mg) and 100 mg. Each vial of the drug contains 5 mg of Eloxatin per milliliter (mg/mL) of solution.

Dosage for stage 3 colon cancer after surgery

For stage 3 colon cancer after surgery, Eloxatin is given in treatment cycles. Each cycle is 14 days (2 weeks) long. You’ll receive one infusion of the drug on day 1 of each cycle. For this use, your doctor will prescribe Eloxatin for up to 12 treatment cycles. This is about 24 weeks (6 months).

Each dose of Eloxatin is 85 mg/m2. For example, if your doctor calculates your BSA as being 1.6 m2, you’ll receive 136 mg of the drug per infusion.

Your doctor may prescribe a different dose depending on several factors, including whether you have severe kidney disease. If you have questions about the dosage of Eloxatin that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.

Dosage for advanced colorectal cancer

For advanced colorectal cancer, Eloxatin is given in treatment cycles. Each cycle is 14 days (2 weeks) long. You’ll receive one infusion of the drug on day 1 of each cycle. For this use, your doctor will advise you on how many treatment cycles you’ll receive.

Each dose of Eloxatin is 85 mg/m2. For example, if your doctor calculates your BSA as being 1.6 m2, you’ll receive 136 mg of the drug per infusion.

Your doctor may prescribe a different dose depending on several factors, including whether you have severe kidney disease. If you have questions about the dosage of Eloxatin that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss an appointment to receive an Eloxatin infusion, call the facility where you receive your infusions as soon as possible to reschedule. Be sure to also tell your doctor about the missed appointment because this could impact your treatment schedule.

To help make sure that you do not miss an appointment, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Whether you’ll use Eloxatin long term depends on the type and severity of the condition the drug is treating.

For stage 3 colon cancer, Eloxatin is meant to be used as a short-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Eloxatin is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely receive it for up to 12 treatment cycles. This is about 24 weeks (6 months).

For advanced colorectal cancer, your doctor will advise you on how many treatment cycles you’ll receive. You’ll likely receive Eloxatin infusions for as long as the drug is safe and effective for you.

Eloxatin can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur with Eloxatin. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Eloxatin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Eloxatin, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects* of Eloxatin can include:

  • digestive problems, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and constipation
  • loss of appetite
  • fatigue
  • anemia (low level of red blood cells)
  • stomatitis (inflammation and soreness inside the mouth)
  • fever
  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • mild allergic reaction

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or do not go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* This is a partial list of mild side effects of Eloxatin. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Eloxatin’s prescribing information.
† Allergic reactions from Eloxatin can be mild. However, they can also be severe. In fact, the drug has a boxed warning about the risk of severe allergic reaction. This is a serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Eloxatin are not common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

  • Peripheral sensory neuropathy (a type of nerve damage that affects the sensations of temperature, pain, and touch). Symptoms can include:
    • increased sensitivity to pain
    • inability to detect changes in temperature
    • reduced sensation of touch
  • Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (a serious brain condition). Symptoms can include:
    • headache
    • vision changes, such as blurry vision
  • Pulmonary fibrosis (scarring and stiffness in the lungs). Symptoms can include:
    • dry cough
    • chest discomfort
  • Rhabdomyolysis (a type of severe muscle damage). Symptoms can include:
    • dark-colored urine
    • muscle weakness or soreness
    • fatigue
  • Increased levels of certain liver enzymes (types of proteins), which can be a sign of liver damage. Symptoms of liver damage can include:
    • stools that are bloody, black, or pale
    • swollen abdomen
  • Severely low level of platelets (a type of red blood cell). Symptoms can include:
    • bruising more easily than usual
    • bleeding, such as having nosebleeds or bleeding gums
  • Severely low level of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell). This condition may not cause symptoms but can be detected with a blood test.
  • Long QT syndrome (a type of abnormal heart rhythm). This condition may not cause symptoms but can be detected with an EKG.
  • Severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis.*

* Eloxatin has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is a serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction while receiving Eloxatin. This was a less common side effect in clinical trials of the medication. Allergic reactions from Eloxatin can be mild. However, they can also be severe. In fact, the drug has a boxed warning about the risk of severe allergic reaction. A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

The reaction can occur while receiving an IV infusion of Eloxatin. In rare cases, this can lead to a type of severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis or be fatal. Your doctor can tell you more.

Symptoms of allergic reactions

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include skin rash, itchiness, and flushing.

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing
  • bronchospasm (tightening of muscles that line the airways of the lungs)
  • dizziness due to low blood pressure

While you’re receiving Eloxatin infusions, a healthcare professional will watch for symptoms of an allergic reaction. Be sure to tell them right away if you have any symptoms, as the reaction could become severe or life threatening.

If you have an allergic reaction while receiving Eloxatin, the healthcare professional will stop your infusion. They may give you treatments to ease your symptoms. Your doctor will also stop prescribing Eloxatin for you and likely switch you to a medication other than Eloxatin.

In some cases, symptoms of allergic reactions may occur after you’ve left the facility where you receive your infusions. If this happens, talk with your doctor right away. Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have symptoms that feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Past reactions

Eloxatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Eloxatin or other platinum drugs in the past, doctors typically will not prescribe Eloxatin for you. (Taking Eloxatin could cause another allergic reaction.) Examples of other platinum drugs include carboplatin and cisplatin.

If you have questions about your risk of allergic reaction with Eloxatin, talk with your doctor.

As with all medications, the cost of Eloxatin can vary. To find current prices for Eloxatin in your area, talk with your doctor.

The price you’ll pay for 50-milligram or 100-mg strengths of Eloxatin depends on certain factors. This includes the cost for visits to your doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital where you’ll receive Eloxatin IV infusions. (To learn more about how the drug is given, see the “How Eloxatin is given” section below.)

Before approving coverage for Eloxatin, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Eloxatin, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Eloxatin, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help may be available.

You can search Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds to find programs that may help decrease the cost of Eloxatin. To learn more, visit their websites.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Generic version

Eloxatin is available in a generic form called oxaliplatin. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. To find out how the cost of oxaliplatin compares with the cost of Eloxatin, talk with your doctor.

If your doctor has prescribed Eloxatin and you’re interested in using oxaliplatin instead, talk with your doctor. They may prefer one version over the other. You’ll also need to check your insurance plan, as it may only cover one or the other.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Eloxatin, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label drug use is when a drug that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Alternatives for stage 3 colon cancer after surgery

Other drugs that may be used to treat stage 3 colon cancer after surgery include a chemotherapy regimen called CAPEOX. This regimen is a combination of capecitabine (Xeloda) and oxaliplatin (Eloxatin).

Alternatives for advanced colorectal cancer

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat advanced colorectal cancer include:

  • other chemotherapy regimens, such as:
    • CAPEOX, which is a combination of capecitabine (Xeloda) and oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)
    • FOLFIRI, which is a combination of leucovorin (folinic acid), fluorouracil, and irinotecan (Camptosar)
    • FOLFOXIRI, which is a combination of leucovorin, fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan
  • immunotherapy, such as:
  • targeted therapy, such as:
    • cetuximab (Erbitux)
    • panitumumab (Vectibix)

Eloxatin is approved to treat certain forms of colon cancer and colorectal cancer. (For details, see the “Eloxatin uses” section below.)

For these cancers, Eloxatin is prescribed in combination with the chemotherapy drugs leucovorin (folinic acid) and fluorouracil. This chemotherapy regimen is commonly known as FOLFOX. The use of Eloxatin with these medications is thought to make the drug more effective than when Eloxatin is used alone.

If you have questions about using Eloxatin with other drugs, talk with your doctor.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Eloxatin to treat certain conditions. Eloxatin may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Eloxatin for stage 3 colon cancer after surgery

Eloxatin is FDA-approved to treat stage 3 colon cancer. The drug is prescribed after surgery to remove the tumor from the colon.

For this use, Eloxatin is prescribed in combination with the chemotherapy drugs leucovorin (folinic acid) and fluorouracil. This chemotherapy regimen is commonly known as FOLFOX.

Stage 3 colon cancer explained

Stage 3 colon cancer occurs when the cancer has spread from the colon to at least one lymph node.

Symptoms of stage 3 colon cancer may include:

  • fatigue
  • abdominal pain
  • change in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea
  • rectal bleeding or bloody stool
  • unexplained weight loss

You can learn more about colon cancer by visiting our cancer hub.

Effectiveness for stage 3 colon cancer after surgery

Eloxatin has been found effective for treating stage 3 colon cancer after surgery. It’s included as a treatment option for colon cancer in guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).

To find out how the drug performed in clinical trials, see Eloxatin’s prescribing information.

Eloxatin for advanced colorectal cancer

Eloxatin is FDA-approved to treat advanced colorectal cancer. (Colorectal cancer is sometimes called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where the cancer starts.)

For this use, Eloxatin is prescribed in combination with the chemotherapy drugs leucovorin (folinic acid) and fluorouracil. This chemotherapy regimen is commonly known as FOLFOX.

Advanced colorectal cancer explained

Advanced colorectal cancer occurs when the cancer has spread from the colon or rectum to other parts of the body. It’s sometimes referred to as stage 4 or metastatic colorectal cancer.

Symptoms of advanced colorectal cancer may include:

  • fatigue
  • abdominal pain
  • change in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea
  • rectal bleeding or bloody stool
  • unexplained weight loss

To learn more about colorectal cancer, visit our cancer hub.

Effectiveness for advanced colorectal cancer

Eloxatin has been found effective for treating advanced colorectal cancer. It’s included as a treatment option in NCCN guidelines for colon cancer and rectal cancer.

To find out how the drug performed in clinical trials, see Eloxatin’s prescribing information.

Eloxatin and children

Eloxatin is not FDA-approved for use in children. Clinical trials have not shown the drug to be effective for children.

Eloxatin can interact with several other medications. However, it’s not known to interact with any supplements or foods.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe. Drug-condition interactions can also cause certain effects. For information about these interactions, see the “Eloxatin precautions” section below.

Eloxatin and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Eloxatin. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Eloxatin.

Before starting Eloxatin treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Drugs that cause long QT syndrome. Doctors may not prescribe Eloxatin with medications that can cause long QT syndrome (a type of abnormal heart rhythm). This is because drugs that cause this condition can increase the risk of long QT syndrome with Eloxatin. Examples of these medications include:

  • certain antipsychotic drugs, such as quetiapine (Seroquel, Seroquel XR) and haloperidol (Haldol)
  • certain antibiotic drugs, such as azithromycin (Zithromax) and fluconazole (Diflucan)
  • certain antidepressant drugs, such as escitalopram (Lexapro) and citalopram (Celexa)

Drugs that cause kidney damage. Doctors may not prescribe Eloxatin with medications that cause kidney damage. Taking these drugs with Eloxatin could cause Eloxatin to build up in your body. And this could increase your risk of side effects with Eloxatin.* Examples of drugs that may cause kidney damage include:

Warfarin. Eloxatin may interact with the blood thinner drug warfarin (Jantoven). Taking these medications together may increase your risk of bleeding.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

* To learn more, see the “Eloxatin side effects” section above.

Eloxatin and herbs and supplements

There are not any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Eloxatin. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products during Eloxatin treatment.

Eloxatin and foods

There are not any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Eloxatin. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Eloxatin, talk with your doctor.

There’s not a known interaction between Eloxatin and alcohol.

However, if you consume alcohol, it’s best to talk with your doctor about the amount that’s safe for you to drink during Eloxatin treatment.

You’ll receive Eloxatin as an IV infusion from a healthcare professional. An IV infusion is an injection into a vein that’s given over a period of time. You’ll have Eloxatin infusions in a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital. It’s important to note that an allergic reaction can occur during the infusions. In fact, Eloxatin has a boxed warning about the risk of severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis.*

Eloxatin is typically given with the drugs leucovorin (folinic acid) and fluorouracil as a chemotherapy regimen called FOLFOX. Each chemotherapy cycle is 14 days (2 weeks) long.

* A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see “Allergic reaction” in the “Eloxatin side effects” section above.

When you’ll receive Eloxatin

Eloxatin is given over 2 hours on the first day of the chemotherapy cycle. However, if you experience mild or moderate side effects, the healthcare professional may administer the drug more slowly.* This can help prevent side effects. Sometimes, the infusions may last 6 hours.

Both leucovorin and fluorouracil are given on days 1 and 2 of the chemotherapy cycle. If you’re interested in learning the infusion times for these medications, check with your doctor.

Your doctor may recommend other chemotherapy regimens, such as CAPEOX, to manage your condition. This regimen consists of capecitabine (Xeloda) and Eloxatin.

To help make sure that you do not miss an appointment for a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

If you have questions about receiving Eloxatin, FOLFOX, or other chemotherapy regimens, talk with your doctor.

Eloxatin is approved to treat certain forms of colon cancer and colorectal cancer. (For details, see the “Eloxatin uses” section above.)

What happens with cancer

Cancer occurs when the body’s cells begin to grow, divide, and spread without stopping. Healthy cells in the body typically stop multiplying and die when they’re no longer needed. However, cancer cells continue to divide and spread, even when the body no longer needs them.

What Eloxatin does

Eloxatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug. Eloxatin works by preventing cancer cells from multiplying, which helps stop the spread of cancer cells in the body.

How long does it take to work?

Eloxatin starts working as soon as you receive your first dose. However, you may not notice the drug working in your body. Your doctor will order tests during treatment to check whether Eloxatin is working to treat your condition.

Eloxatin is not safe during pregnancy. The way the drug works in the body could cause harm to a fetus if Eloxatin is used during pregnancy.

Animal studies have shown harm to offspring born to animals given the drug during pregnancy. However, keep in mind that animal studies do not always predict what happens in humans.

If you’re able to become pregnant, your doctor will order a pregnancy test before you start Eloxatin treatment. This allows them to confirm you are not pregnant.

If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor. They can advise you on other treatments for your cancer.

Eloxatin and fertility

Animal studies have shown that Eloxatin may affect fertility in males and females. However, the drug’s effect on human fertility has not been studied.

If you have concerns about fertility, talk with your doctor before starting Eloxatin treatment.

Eloxatin is not safe during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using Eloxatin.

For more information about Eloxatin and pregnancy, see the “Eloxatin and pregnancy” section above.

For females using Eloxatin. If you’re female* and able to become pregnant, be sure to use effective birth control during Eloxatin treatment. You should continue to use birth control for at least 9 months after your last dose of the drug.

For males using Eloxatin. If you’re male* with a sexual partner who’s able to become pregnant, be sure to use an effective form of birth control during Eloxatin treatment. You should continue using birth control for at least 6 months after your last dose of the drug.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

It’s not known if Eloxatin passes into breast milk or if the drug causes side effects in a breastfed child.

To be safe, your doctor will likely recommend that you do not receive Eloxatin while breastfeeding. And they may instruct you to avoid breastfeeding for at least 3 months after your last dose of the drug.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor. They can advise you on other ways to feed your child.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Eloxatin.

Will Eloxatin cure my cancer?

No, Eloxatin will not cure colon cancer or colorectal cancer. There’s currently no cure for these types of cancer. However, clinical trials have shown that Eloxatin is effective for treating these conditions.

You can talk with your doctor if you have additional questions about what to expect with Eloxatin treatment.

Is Eloxatin a type of chemotherapy?

Yes. Eloxatin is a type of chemotherapy. Specifically, it’s a type of chemotherapy that contains the metal platinum.

To learn more about how the drug works to treat cancer, see the “How Eloxatin works” section above.

What can I do if Eloxatin makes me nauseous?

To help prevent nausea with Eloxatin, your doctor may give you certain medications before your IV infusion. Examples of these drugs include:

Nausea is a common side effect of Eloxatin. In fact, it was one of the most common side effects reported in clinical trials of the drug.

If you have nausea with Eloxatin, talk with your doctor. They may prescribe one of the medications above to help prevent or treat your nausea.

This drug comes with several precautions. These are considered drug-condition interactions.

FDA warning: Severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis

This drug has a boxed warning about the risk of severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis (a type of severe allergic reaction). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. For details about this warning, see “Allergic reaction” in the “Eloxatin side effects” section above.

Other precautions

Before receiving Eloxatin, talk with your doctor about your health history. Eloxatin may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

  • Liver problems. Before starting Eloxatin treatment, tell your doctor if you have liver problems, such as liver failure. The drug may cause increased levels of certain liver enzymes. This could be a sign of liver damage and worsen any liver problems you have. Your doctor can recommend whether it’s safe for you to receive Eloxatin.
  • Kidney problems. If you have kidney problems, such as severe kidney disease, tell your doctor before receiving Eloxatin. They may give you a lower dose of the drug than usual.
  • Heart problems. Before starting treatment with Eloxatin, tell your doctor if you have heart problems. Examples include an abnormal heart rhythm and heart failure. Having heart problems could increase your risk of long QT syndrome with Eloxatin. Your doctor can advise you on whether it’s safe for you to receive Eloxatin.
  • Pregnancy. Eloxatin is not safe to receive during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Eloxatin and pregnancy” section above.
  • Breastfeeding. It’s not safe to breastfeed during Eloxatin treatment or within 3 months of your last dose. For more information, see the “Eloxatin and breastfeeding” section above.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Eloxatin, see the “Eloxatin side effects” section above.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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