Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Oxaliplatin may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for
The active ingredient of Oxaliplatin SUN is oxaliplatin Oxaliplatin is used to treat cancer of the large bowel (treatment of stage III colon cancer after complete resection of primary tumour, metastatic cancer of colon and rectum). Oxaliplatin is used in combination with other anticancer agents called 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid. Oxaliplatin is an anti-cancer drug that inhibits tumour growth and contains a platinum. 2.
e Oxaliplatin
You should not be given Oxaliplatin if
2
If any of the following applies to you at any time, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may need to treat you for these events. Your doctor may need to reduce the dose of Oxaliplatin, or delay or stop your treatment with Oxaliplatin. –
If you have an unpleasant sensation in the throat, in particular when swallowing, and have a sensation of shortness of breath, during the treatment, tell your doctor. If you have nerve problems in your hands or feet, such as numbness or tingling, or decreased sensations in your hands or feet, tell your doctor. If you have headache, altered mental functioning, seizures and abnormal vision from blurriness to vision loss, tell your doctor. If you feel or are sick (nausea or vomiting), tell your doctor. If you have severe diarrhoea, tell your doctor. If you have sore lips or mouth ulcers (mucositis/ stomatitis/ inflammation of the mouth or other mucous membrane), tell your doctor. If you have diarrhoea, or a reduction in white blood cells or platelets, tell your doctor. Your doctor may reduce the dose of Oxaliplatin or postpone your treatment with Oxaliplatin. If you have unexplained respiratory symptoms such as cough, or any difficulties in breathing, tell your doctor. Your doctor may stop your treatment with Oxaliplatin. If you develop an extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, or kidney disease where you pass little or no urine (symptoms of acute renal failure), tell your doctor. If you have fever (temperature greater than or equal to 38°C), or chills, which could be signs of infection, tell your doctor immediately. You may be at risk of getting an infection of the blood. If you have fever > 38°C, tell your doctor. Your doctor may determine you also have a reduction in white blood cells. If you experience unexpected bleeding or bruising (disseminated intravascular coagulation), tell your doctor as these could be signs of blood clots throughout the small vessels of your body. If you faint (lose consciousness) or have an irregular heartbeat while being given Oxaliplatin, tell your doctor immediately as this may be a sign of a serious heart condition. If you experience muscle pain and swelling, in combination with weakness, fever, or reddishbrown urine, tell your doctor. These could be signs of muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis) and could lead to kidney problems or other complications. If you have abdominal pain, nausea, bloody vomit or vomit that looks like "coffee-grounds", or dark-coloured/ tarry stools, which may be signs of an ulcer of the bowel (gastrointestinal ulcer, with potential bleeding or perforation), tell your doctor. If you have abdominal (stomach) pain, bloody diarrhoea, and nausea and/or vomiting, which may be caused by a reduction of blood flow to your gut wall (intestinal ischaemia), tell your doctor.
Other medicines and Oxaliplatin Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines. Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility Pregnancy
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Fertility in men and women
Oxaliplatin
Oxaliplatin may only be given to adults. For single use only. Dosage The dose of Oxaliplatin is based on your body surface area calculated from your height and weight. The usual dose is 85 mg/m2 body surface area for adults, including the elderly. The dose will also depend on results of blood tests and whether you have previously experienced side effects with Oxaliplatin. Method and route of administration
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If you experience any side effect it is important that you inform your doctor before your next treatment. V020
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You will find described below the side effects that you could experience. Most serious side effects Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following: –
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Symptoms of an allergic or anaphylactic reaction with sudden signs such as skin rash, itching or hives, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing, extreme tiredness (you may feel as if you are about to faint). In most cases, these symptoms occurred during or immediately after the infusion, but delayed allergic reactions have also been observed hours or even days after the infusion. Abnormal bruising, bleeding or signs of infection such as sore throat or fever, Persistent or severe diarrhea or nausea, Presence of blood or dark-brown coffee-coloured particles in your vomit, Stomatitis/mucositis (sore lips or ulcers in the mouth), Respiratory symptoms such as dry cough or cough with sputum, difficulty breathing or crackles, shortness of breath and wheezing, as these may be indicators of serious lung disease that may lead to death, A group of symptoms such as headache, altered mental function, seizures and visual disturbances, from blurred vision to loss of vision (these are the manifestations of a so-called reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome, a rare neurological disorder), Symptoms of a stroke (including sudden severe headache, confusion, visual disturbances in one or both eyes, numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, usually occurring on one side, face drooping, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance and speech difficulty), Extreme fatigue with decreased number red blood cell and shortness of breath (hemolytic anemia), alone or in combination with a low platelet count, abnormal bruising (thrombocytopenia), and kidney disease in which you excrete little or no urine (symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome).
Other known side effects Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people
5
will take blood to check that you have sufficient blood cells before you start treatment and before each subsequent course.
6
–
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Autoimmune reaction that leads to the reduction of all blood cell lines (autoimmune pancytopenia), pancytopenia, Serious blood infection and low blood pressure (septic shock), which can be fatal, Seizures (uncontrolled shaking movements of the body), Spasm of the throat causing difficulty in breathing (laryngospasm), Extreme fatigue with reduced red blood cell count and shortness of breath (hemolytic anemia), alone or in combination with a low platelet count and kidney disease in which you excrete little or no urine (symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome). This has been reported to be fatal. Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation), which can be seen on the electrocardiogram (ECG) and can be fatal, Myocardial infarction (heart attack), angina pectoris (pain or uncomfortable feeling in the chest). Muscle pain and swelling combined with weakness, fever or reddish-brown urine (symptoms of muscle damage called rhabdomyolysis), which can be fatal, Abdominal pain, nausea, bloody or coffee grounds-like vomiting or dark stools (tarry stools) (symptoms of a gastrointestinal ulcer with possible bleeding or perforation), which can be fatal, Oesophagitis (inflammation of the lining of the oesophagus -the tube that connect your mouth with your stomach -causing pain and difficulty swallowing). Decreased blood flow to the intestine/bowel (intestinal ischemia), which can be fatal, Risk of new cancer. Leukaemia, a form of blood cancer, has been reported in patients after being treated with Oxaliplatin SUN in combination with certain other medicines. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of an increased risk of this cancer if you are treated with Oxaliplatin SUN and certain other medicines. Benign abnormal nodules in the liver (focal nodular hyperplasia).
Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5.
Oxaliplatin
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not store above 25°C. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 6.
What Oxaliplatin 5 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion contains –
The active substance is oxaliplatin. One ml of concentrate contains 5 mg oxaliplatin. A vial of 10 ml of concentrate contains 50 mg oxaliplatin. A vial of 20 ml of concentrate contains 100 mg oxaliplatin. A vial of 40 ml of concentrate contains 200 mg oxaliplatin. The other ingredients are lactose monohydrate and water for injection.
What Oxaliplatin 5 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion looks like and contents of the pack V020
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Concentrate for solution for infusion: clear colourless solution in a vial. It is available in 10 ml, 20 ml and 40 ml vials in boxes of 1 or 5 vials. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Europe B.V.
Polarisavenue 87
2132 JH Hoofddorp The Netherlands This medicine is authorised in the Member states of the European Economic Area and in the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) under the following names: Germany Oxaliplatin SUN 5 mg/ml Konzentrat zur Herstellung einer Infusionslösung France Oxaliplatine SUN 5 mg/ml solution à diluer pour perfusion Italy Oxaliplatino SUN 5 mg/ml concentrato per soluzione per infusione Spain Oxaliplatino SUN 5 mg/ml concentrado para solución para perfusión EFG The Netherlands Oxaliplatine SUN 5 mg/ml concentraat voor oplossing voor infusie Norway Oksaliplatin SUN 5 mg/ml konsentrat til infusjonsvæske, oppløsning United Kingdom Oxaliplatin 5 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion (Northern Ireland) This leaflet was last revised in March 2025.
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The following information is intended for medical or healthcare professionals only: Oxaliplatin 5 mg/ml, concentrate for solution for infusion Instructions for handling and disposal As with other potentially toxic compounds, caution should be exercised when handling and preparing Oxaliplatin solutions. Handling The handling of this cytotoxic agent by healthcare personnel requires every precaution to guarantee the protection of the handler and his surroundings. The preparation of injectable solutions of cytotoxic agents must be carried out by trained, specialist personnel with knowledge of the medicines used, in conditions that guarantee the integrity of the medicinal product, the protection of the environment and in particular the protection of the personnel handling the medicines, in accordance with the hospital policy. It requires a preparation area reserved for this purpose. It is forbidden to smoke, eat or drink in this area. Personnel must be provided with appropriate handling materials, notably long sleeved gowns, protection masks, caps, protective goggles, sterile single-use gloves, protective covers for the work area, containers and collection bags for waste. Excreta and vomit must be handled with care. Pregnant women must be warned to avoid handling cytotoxic agents. Any broken container must be treated with the same precautions and considered as contaminated waste. Contaminated waste should be incinerated in suitable labelled rigid containers. See below under "Disposal". If oxaliplatin concentrate or infusion solution should come into contact with skin, wash immediately and thoroughly with water. If oxaliplatin concentrate or infusion solution should come into contact with mucous membranes, wash immediately and thoroughly with water. Disposal Remnants of the medicinal product as well as all materials that have been used for dilution and administration must be destroyed according to standard procedures applicable to cytotoxic agents in accordance with local requirements related to the disposal of hazardous waste. Special precautions for administration DO NOT use injection equipment containing aluminium. DO NOT administer oxaliplatin undiluted. Only glucose 5% (50 mg/ml) solution for infusion is to be used as a diluent. DO NOT dilute for infusion with sodium chloride or chloride containing solutions. DO NOT mix with any other medicinal products in the same infusion bag or administer simultaneously by the same infusion line.
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DO NOT mix with alkaline medicinal products or solutions, in particular 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid preparations containing trometamol as an excipient and trometamol salts of others active substances. Alkaline medicinal products or solutions will adversely affect the stability of oxaliplatin. Instruction for use with folinic acid (as calcium folinate or disodium folinate) Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 intravenous infusion in 250 to 500 ml of glucose 5% (50 mg/ml) solution is given at the same time as folinic acid intravenous infusion in glucose 5% solution over 2 to 6 hours, using a Y-line placed immediately before the site of infusion. These two medicinal products should not be combined in the same infusion bag. Folinic acid must not contain trometamol as an excipient and must only be diluted using isotonic glucose 5% solution, never in alkaline solutions or sodium chloride containing solutions. Instruction for use with 5-fluorouracil Oxaliplatin should always be administered before fluoropyrimidines – i.e. 5-fluorouracil. After oxaliplatin administration, flush the line and then administer 5-fluorouracil. For additional information on medicinal products combined with oxaliplatin, see the corresponding summary of product characteristics. Incompatibilities This medicinal product should not be mixed with other medicinal products except for those mentioned in the section "Instructions for dilution". Instructions for dilution Only 5% glucose solution should be used to dilute the concentrate. Withdraw the required amount of concentrate from the vial(s) and then dilute with 250 to 500 ml of a 5% glucose solution to give an oxaliplatin concentration between not less than 0.2 mg/ml and 0.7 mg/m, i.e. the concentration range over which the physico-chemical stability for oxaliplatin has been demonstrated. Inspect visually prior to use. Only clear solutions without particles should be used. This medicinal product is for single use only. Any unused solution for infusion should be discarded. NEVER use sodium chloride or chloride containing solutions for dilution. The compatibility of oxaliplatin solution for infusion has been tested with representative PVC-based, administrative sets. Infusion The administration of oxaliplatin does not require prehydration. Oxaliplatin diluted in 250 to 500 ml of a 5% glucose solution to give a concentration not less than 0.2 mg/ml must be infused either by peripheral vein or central venous line over 2 to 6 hours. When Oxaliplatin is administered with 5-fluorouracil, the oxaliplatin infusion must precede the administration of 5-fluorouracil. Storage conditions Medicinal product as packaged for sale: Do not store above 25°C. V020
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Infusion preparation: After dilution with 5% glucose solution, chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 24 hours at room temperature (15oC-25oC) or for 48 hours under refrigeration (2°C8°C). From a microbiological point of view, the infusion preparation should be used immediately. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to used are the responsibility of the user and would normally not be longer than 24 hours at 2°C to 8°C, unless dilution has taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions.
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Oxaliplatin 5 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion comes as infusion containing 5mg/ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Oxaliplatin 5 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion is oxaliplatin.
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Oxaliplatin 5 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion, Oxaliplatin 5 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion, Oxaliplatin 5mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Oxaliplatin 5 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Oxaliplatin in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and folinic acid (FA) is indicated for:
- adjuvant treatment of stage III (Dukes' C) colon cancer after complete resection of primary tumour
- treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.
Posology
FOR ADULTS ONLY
The recommended dose for oxaliplatin in adjuvant setting is 85 mg/m² intravenously repeated every two weeks for 12 cycles (6 months).
The recommended dose for oxaliplatin in treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer is 85 mg/m², intravenously repeated every 2 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Dosage given should be adjusted according to tolerability (see section 4.4).
Oxaliplatin should always be administered before fluoropyrimidines – i.e. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).
Oxaliplatin is administered as a 2 to 6 - hour intravenous infusion in 250 to 500 ml of 5% glucose solution to give a concentration between 0.2 mg/ml and 0.70 mg/ml; 0.70 mg/ml is the highest concentration in clinical practice for an oxaliplatin dose of 85 mg/m² body surface area.
Oxaliplatin was mainly used in combination with continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil based regimens. For the two-weekly treatment schedule 5-fluorouracil regimens combining bolus and continuous infusion were used.
Special Populations
Renal impairment
Oxaliplatin must not be administered in patients with severe renal impairment (see sections 4.3 and 5.2). In patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, the recommended dose of oxaliplatin is 85 mg/m² (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).
Hepatic impairment
In a phase I study including patients with several levels of hepatic impairment, frequency and severity of hepato-biliary disorders appeared to be related to progressive disease and impaired liver function tests at baseline. No specific dose adjustment for patients with abnormal liver function tests was performed during clinical development.
Elderly patients
No increase in severe toxicities was observed when oxaliplatin was used as a single agent or in combination with 5-fluorouracil in patients over the age of 65. In consequence no specific dose adaptation is required for elderly patients.
Paediatric population
There is no relevant indication for use of oxaliplatin in children. The effectiveness of oxaliplatin single agent in the paediatric populations with solid tumours has not been established (see section 5.1).
Method of administration
Oxaliplatin is administered by intravenous infusion.
The administration of oxaliplatin does not require hyperhydration.
Oxaliplatin diluted in 250 to 500 ml of 5% (50 mg/ml) glucose solution to obtain a concentration not less than 0.2 mg/ml must be infused via a central venous line or peripheral vein over 2 to 6 hours.
Oxaliplatin infusion must always precede the administration of 5-fluorouracil (5FU).
In the event of extravasation, administration must be discontinued immediately.
Instruction for use
Oxaliplatin must be diluted before administration. Only 5% (50 mg/ml) glucose solution should be used to dilute the concentrate for solution for infusion product, (see section 6.6).
Oxaliplatin is contraindicated in patients who:
- have a known history of hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1
- are breast feeding
- have myelosuppression prior to starting first course, as evidenced by baseline neutrophils <2x109/l and/or platelet count of <100x109l
- have a peripheral sensitive neuropathy with functional impairment prior to first course
- have a severely impaired renal function (creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min) (see section 5.2).
Oxaliplatin should only be used in specialized departments of oncology and should be administered under the supervision of an experienced oncologist.
Renal impairment
Patients with mild to moderate renal impairment should be closely monitored for adverse reactions and the dose adjusted according to toxicity (see section 5.2).
Hypersensitivity reactions
Special surveillance should be ensured for patients with a history of allergic manifestations to other products containing platinum. In case of anaphylactic manifestations the infusion should be interrupted immediately and an appropriate symptomatic treatment started. Re-administration of oxaliplatin is contra-indicated. Cross reactions, sometimes fatal, have been reported with all platinum compounds.
In case of oxaliplatin extravasation, the infusion must be stopped immediately and usual local symptomatic treatment initiated.
Neurological symptoms
Neurological toxicity of oxaliplatin should be carefully monitored, especially if co-administered with other medicinal products with specific neurological toxicity. A neurological examination should be performed before each administration and periodically thereafter.
For patients who develop acute laryngopharyngeal dysaesthesia (see section 4.8), during or within the hours following the 2-hour infusion, the next oxaliplatin infusion should be administered over 6 hours.
Peripheral neuropathy
If neurological symptoms (paraesthesia, dysaesthesia) occur, the following recommended oxaliplatin dosage adjustment should be based on the duration and severity of these symptoms:
- if symptoms last longer than seven days and are troublesome, the subsequent oxaliplatin dose should be reduced from 85 to 65 mg/m2 (metastatic setting) or 75 mg/m2 (adjuvant setting)
- if paraesthesia without functional impairment persists until the next cycle, the subsequent oxaliplatin dose should be reduced from 85 to 65 mg/m2 (metastatic setting) or 75 mg/m2 (adjuvant setting)
- if paraesthesia with functional impairment persists until the next cycle, oxaliplatin should be discontinued
- if these symptoms improve following discontinuation of oxaliplatin therapy, resumption of therapy may be considered.
Patients should be informed of the possibility of persistent symptoms of peripheral sensory neuropathy after the end of the treatment. Localized moderate paresthesias or paresthesias that may interfere with functional activities can persist after up to 3 years following treatment cessation in the adjuvant setting.
Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS)
Cases of Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS also known as PRES, Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome) have been reported in patients receiving oxaliplatin in combination chemotherapy. RPLS is a rare, reversible, rapidly evolving neurological condition, which can include seizure, hypertension, headache, confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurological disturbances (see section 4.8). Diagnosis of RPLS is based upon confirmation by brain imaging, preferably MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and haematological changes
Gastrointestinal toxicity, which manifests as nausea and vomiting, warrants prophylactic and/or therapeutic anti-emetic therapy (see section 4.8).
Dehydration, paralytic ileus, intestinal obstruction, hypokalemia, metabolic acidosis and renal impairment may be caused by severe diarrhoea/emesis particularly when combining oxaliplatin with 5-fluorouracil.
Cases of intestinal ischemia, including fatal outcomes, have been reported with oxaliplatin treatment. In case of intestinal ischemia, oxaliplatin treatment should be discontinued and appropriate measures initiated (see section 4.8).
If haematological toxicity occurs (neutrophils < 1.5x109/l or platelets < 50x109/l), administration of the next course of therapy should be postponed until haematological values return to acceptable levels. A full blood count with white cell differential should be performed prior to start of therapy and before each subsequent course. Myelosuppressive effects may be additive to those of concomitant chemotherapy. Patient with severe and persistent myelosuppression are at high risk of infectious complications. Sepsis, neutropenic sepsis and septic shock have been reported in patients treated with oxaliplatin including fatal outcomes (see section 4.8). If any of these events occurs, oxaliplatin should be discontinued.
Patients must be adequately informed of the risk of diarrhoea/emesis, mucositis/ stomatitis and neutropenia after oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil administration so that they can urgently contact their treating physician for appropriate management.
If mucositis/ stomatitis occurs with or without neutropenia, the next treatment should be delayed until recovery from mucositis/ stomatitis to grade 1 or less and/or until the neutrophil count is ≥ 1.5 x 109/l.
For oxaliplatin combined with 5-fluorouracil (with or without folinic acid), the usual dose adjustments for 5-fluorouracil associated toxicities should apply.
If grade 4 diarrhoea, grade 3-4 neutropenia (neutrophils <1.0x109/l), febrile neutropenia (fever of unknown origin without clinically or microbiologically documented infection with an absolute neutrophil count < 1.0 x 109/L, a single temperature of > 38.3°C or a sustained temperature of > 38°C for more than one hour), or grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia (platelets < 50x109/l) occur, the dose of oxaliplatin should be reduced from 85 to 65 mg/m² (metastatic setting) or 75 mg/m² (adjuvant setting), in addition to any 5-fluorouracil dose reductions required.
Pulmonary
In the case of unexplained respiratory symptoms such as non-productive cough, dyspnoea, crackles or radiological pulmonary infiltrates, oxaliplatin should be discontinued until further pulmonary investigations exclude an interstitial lung disease or pulmonary fibrosis (see section 4.8).
Blood disorders
Haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS) is a life-threatening side effect (frequency not known). Oxaliplatin should be discontinued at the first signs of any evidence of microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, such as rapidly falling haemoglobin with concomitant thrombocytopenia, elevation of serum bilirubin, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, or LDH. Renal failure may not be reversible with discontinuation of therapy and dialysis may be required. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), including fatal outcomes, has been reported in association with oxaliplatin treatment. If DIC is present, oxaliplatin treatment should be discontinued and appropriate treatment should be administered (see section 4.8). Caution should be exercised in patients with conditions that are associated with DIC such as infections, sepsis, etc.
QT prolongation
QT prolongation may lead to an increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias including Torsade de Pointes, which can be fatal (see section 4.8). The QT interval should be closely monitored on a regular basis before and after administration of oxaliplatin. Caution should be exercised in patients with a history or a predisposition for prolongation of QT, those who are taking medicinal products known to prolong QT interval, and those with electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia, hypocalcaemia, or hypomagnesaemia. In case of QT prolongation, oxaliplatin treatment should be discontinued (see sections 4.5 and 4.8).
Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis has been reported in patients treated with oxaliplatin, including fatal outcomes. In case of muscle pain and swelling, in combination with weakness, fever or darkened urine, oxaliplatin treatment should be discontinued. If rhabdomyolysis is confirmed, appropriate measures should be taken. Caution is recommended if medicinal products associated with rhabdomyolysis are administered concomitantly with oxaliplatin (see sections 4.5 and 4.8).
Gastrointestinal ulcer/ Gastrointestinal haemorrhage and perforation
Oxaliplatin treatment can cause gastrointestinal ulcer and potential complications, such as gastrointestinal haemorrhage and perforation, which can be fatal. In case of gastrointestinal ulcer, oxaliplatin treatment should be discontinued and appropriate measures taken (see section 4.8).
Immunosuppressant effects/increased susceptibility to infections:
Administration of live or live-attenuated vaccines in patients immunocompromised by chemotherapeutic agents, may result in serious or fatal infections. Vaccination with a live vaccine should be avoided in patients receiving oxaliplatin. Killed or inactivated vaccines may be administered; however, the response to such vaccines may be diminished.
Hepatic
In case of abnormal liver function test results, splenomegaly or portal hypertension which does not obviously result from liver metastases, very rare cases of drug-induced hepatic vascular disorders should be considered.
Contraception for men and women of childbearing age
Due to the possible genotoxic effects of oxaliplatin, appropriate contraceptive measures should be taken during and after the end of therapy.
In view of the long elimination of the active substance (see section 5.2), it is recommended as a precautionary measure to continue contraception for 9 months after the end of treatment in women of childbearing potential and for 6 months after the end of treatment in men (see section 4.6).
Fertility:
Men should be informed about sperm preservation before treatment, as oxaliplatin can cause infertility, which may be irreversible (see section 4.6)
Other warnings
Peritoneal haemorrhage may occur when oxaliplatin is administered by intraperitoneal route (off-label route of administration).
In patients who have received a single dose of 85 mg/m² of oxaliplatin, immediately before administration of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), no change in the level of exposure to 5-fluorouracil has been observed. In vitro, no significant displacement of oxaliplatin binding to plasma proteins has been observed with the following agents: erythromycin, salicylates, granisetron, paclitaxel, and sodium valproate.
Caution is advised when oxaliplatin treatment is co-administered with other medicinal products known to cause QT interval prolongation. In case of combination with such medicinal products, the QT interval should be closely monitored (see section 4.4).
Caution is advised when oxaliplatin treatment is administered concomitantly with other medicinal products known to be associated with rhabdomyolysis (see section 4.4).
Vaccination with live or live attenuated vaccines should be avoided in patients receiving oxaliplatin (see section 4.4).
Contraception for men and women of childbearing age
Due to the potential genotoxic effects of oxaliplatin, appropriate contraceptive measures should be taken during and after discontinuation of therapy.
In view of the long elimination of the active substance (see section 5.2), it is recommended as a precautionary measure to continue contraception for 9 months after the end of treatment in women of childbearing potential and for 6 months after the end of treatment in men.
Pregnancy
To date, only limited information is available regarding the safety of oxaliplatin administration during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity. Therefore, the administration of oxaliplatin should only be considered after the patient has been specifically informed of the risk to the foetus, and with her consent.
Oxaliplatin is not recommended during pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential not using contraception.
Breastfeeding
It is unknown whether oxaliplatin is excreted in human milk.
Oxaliplatin is contra-indicated during breast-feeding (see section 4.3).
Fertility in men and women
Oxaliplatin can lead to infertility. Men should be informed about sperm preservation before treatment, as oxaliplatin can cause infertility, which may be irreversible (see section 4.4).
After treatment with oxaliplatin, patients who are planning a pregnancy are advised to undergo genetic counselling.
No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. However oxaliplatin treatment resulting in an increased risk of dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and other neurologic symptoms that affect gait and balance may lead to a minor or moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Vision abnormalities, in particular transient vision loss (reversible following therapy discontinuation), may affect patients' ability to drive and use machines. Therefore, patients should be warned of the potential effect of these events on the ability to drive or use machines.
Summary of the safety profile
The most frequent adverse events of oxaliplatin in combination with 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid (5‑FU/FA) were gastrointestinal (diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and mucositis), haematological (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) and neurological (acute and dose cumulative peripheral sensory neuropathy). Overall, these adverse events were more frequent and severe with oxaliplatin and 5-FU/FA combination than with 5-FU/FA alone.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The frequencies reported in the table below are derived from clinical trials in the metastatic and adjuvant settings (having included 416 and 1108 patients respectively in the oxaliplatin + 5-FU/FA treatment arms) and from post marketing experience.
Frequencies in this table are defined using the following convention: very common (≥1/10) common (≥1/100, <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1000, ≤1/100), rare (≥1/10000, ≤1/1000), very rare (≤1/10000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Further details are given after the table.
system organ classes
Very common
Common
Uncommon
Rare
Infections and infestations*
Infection
Rhinitis
Upper respiratory tract infection
Neutropenic sepsis+
Sepsis +
Blood and lymphatic system disorders*
Anaemia
Neutropenia
Thrombocytopenia
Leukopenia
Lymphopenia
Febrile neutropenia
Immunoallergic thrombocytopenia
Haemolytic anaemia***
Immune system disorders*
Allergy/allergic reaction ++
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Anorexia
Hyperglycaemia
Hypokalaemia
Hyponatraemia
Dehydration
Hypocalcaemia
Metabolic acidosis
Psychiatric disorders
Depression
Insomnia
Nervousness
Nervous system disorders*-
Peripheral sensory neuropathy
Sensory disturbance
Dysgeusia
Headache
Dizziness
Motor neuritis
Meningism
Dysarthria
Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS, or PRES) (see section 4.4)
Eye disorders
Conjunctivitis
Visual disturbance
Visual acuity reduced transiently
Visual field disturbances
Optic neuritis
Transient vision loss, reversible upon discontinuation of treatment
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Ototoxicity
Deafness
Vascular disorders
Haemorrhage
Flushing
Deep vein thrombosis
Hypertension
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Dyspnoea
Cough
Epistaxis
Hiccups
Pulmonary embolism
Interstitial lung disease, sometimes fatal
Pulmonary fibrosis**
Gastrointestinal disorders*
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Stomatitis /Mucositis
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Dyspepsia
Gastroesophageal reflux
Gastrointestinal haemorrhage
Rectal haemorrhage
Ileus
Intestinal obstruction
Colitis including clostridium difficile diarrhoea
Pancreatitis
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Skin disorders
Alopecia
Skin exfoliation (i.e. Hand & Foot syndrome)
Rash erythematous
Rash
Hyperhidrosis
Nail disorder
Musculo-skeletal and connective tissue disorders
Back pain
Arthralgia
Bone pain
Renal and
urinary
disorders
Haematuria
Dysuria
Micturition frequency abnormal
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fatigue
Fever+++
Asthenia
Pain
Injection site reaction++++
Investigations
Hepatic enzyme increase
Blood alkaline phosphatase increase
Blood bilirubin increase
Blood lactate dehydrogenase increase
Weight increase (adjuvant setting)
Blood creatinine increase
Weight decrease (metastatic setting)
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Fall
* See detailed section below
** See section 4.4.
*** Microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia associated with haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) or Coombs positive haemolytic anaemia, see section 4.4)
+ including fatal outcomes
++ Very common allergies/allergic reactions, occurring mainly during infusion, sometimes fatal. Common allergic reactions include skin rash, particularly urticaria, conjunctivitis, and rhinitis. Common anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions, include bronchospasm, angiooedema, hypotension, sensation of chest pain and anaphylactic shock. Delayed hypersensitivity has also been reported with oxaliplatin hours or even days after the infusion.
+++ Very common fever, rigors (tremors), either from infection (with or without febrile neutropenia) or possibly from immunological mechanism.
++++ Injection site reactions including local pain, redness, swelling and thrombosis have been reported. Extravasation may also result in local pain and inflammation which may be severe and lead to complications including necrosis, especially when oxaliplatin is infused through a peripheral vein (see section 4.4).
Description of selected adverse reactions
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Incidence by patient (%), by grade
Oxaliplatin and 5-FU/FA
85 mg/m² every 2 weeks
Metastatic Setting
Adjuvant Setting
All grades
Grade 3
Grade 4
All grades
Grade 3
Grade 4
Anemia
82.2
3
<1
75.6
0.7
0.1
Neutropenia
71.4
28
14
78.9
28.8
12.3
Thrombocytopenia
71.6
4
<1
77.4
1.5
0.2
Febrile neutropenia
5.0
3.6
1.4
0.7
0.7
0.0
Rare (>1/10000, <1/1000)
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), including fatal outcomes (see section 4.4).
Post- marketing experience with frequency unknown
Hemolytic uremic syndrome, autoimmune pancytopenia, pancytopenia, secondary leukemia.
Infections and infestations
Incidence by patient (%), by grade
Oxaliplatin and 5-FU/FA
85 mg/m² every 2 weeks
Metastatic Setting
Adjuvant Setting
All grades
All grades
Sepsis (including sepsis and neutropenic sepsis)
1.5
1.7
Post-marketing experience with frequency not known
Septic shock, including fatal outcomes.
Immune system disorders
Incidence of allergic reactions by patient (%), by grade
Oxaliplatin and 5-FU/FA
85 mg/m² every 2 weeks
Metastatic Setting
Adjuvant Setting
All grades
Grade 3
Grade 4
All grades
Grade 3
Grade 4
Allergic reactions / Allergy
9.1
1
<1
10.3
2.3
0.6
Nervous system disorders
The dose limiting toxicity of oxaliplatin is neurological. It involves a sensory peripheral neuropathy characterized by dysaesthesia and/or paraesthesia of the extremities with or without cramps, often triggered by the cold.
These symptoms occur in up to 95% of patients treated. The duration of these symptoms, which usually regress between courses of treatment, increases with the number of treatment cycles.
The onset of pain and/or a functional disorder are indications, depending on the duration of the symptoms, for dose adjustment, or even treatment discontinuation (see section 4.4).
This functional disorder includes difficulties in executing delicate movements and is a possible consequence of sensory impairment. The risk of occurrence of persistent symptoms for a cumulative dose of 850 mg/m² (10 cycles) is approximately 10% and 20% for a cumulative dose of 1020 mg/m² (12 cycles).
In the majority of the cases, the neurological signs and symptoms improve or totally recover when treatment is discontinued. In the adjuvant setting of colon cancer, 6 months after treatment cessation, 87% of patients had no or mild symptoms. After up to 3 years of follow up, about 3% of patients presented either with persisting localized paresthesias of moderate intensity (2.3%) or with paresthesias that may interfere with functional activities (0.5%).
Acute neurosensory manifestations (see section 5.3) have been reported. They start within hours of administration and often occur on exposure to cold. They usually present as transient paresthesia, dysesthesia and hypoesthesia. An acute syndrome of pharyngolaryngeal dysesthesia occurs in 1% - 2% of patients and is characterised by subjective sensations of dysphagia or dyspnoea/feeling of suffocation, without any objective evidence of respiratory distress (no cyanosis or hypoxia) or of laryngospasm or bronchospasm (no stridor or wheezing). Although antihistamines and bronchodilators have been administered in such cases, the symptoms are rapidly reversible even in the absence of treatment. Prolongation of the infusion helps to reduce the incidence of this syndrome (see section 4.4). Occasionally other symptoms that have been observed include jaw spasm/ muscle spasms/ muscle contractions-involuntary/ muscle twitching/ myoclonus, coordination abnormal/ gait abnormal/ ataxia/ balance disorders, throat or chest tightness/ pressure/ discomfort/ pain. In addition, cranial nerve dysfunctions may be associated with above mentioned events, or also occur as an isolated event such as ptosis, diplopia, aphonia/ dysphonia/ hoarseness, sometimes described as vocal cord paralysis, abnormal tongue sensation or dysarthria, sometimes described as aphasia, trigeminal neuralgia/ facial pain/ eye pain, decrease in visual acuity, visual field disorders.
Other neurological symptoms such as dysarthria, loss of deep tendon reflex and Lhermitte's sign were reported during treatment with oxaliplatin. Isolated cases of optic neuritis have been reported.
Post- marketing experience with frequency unknown
- Convulsion, ischemic
- Haemorrhagic cerebrovascular disorder
Cardiac disorders
Post-marketing experience with frequency not known
QT prolongation, which may lead to ventricular arrhythmias including Torsade de Pointes, which may be fatal (see section 4.4).
Acute coronary syndrome, including myocardial infarction and coronary arteriospasm and angina pectoris in patients treated with oxaliplatin in combination with 5- FU and bevacizumab.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Post-marketing experience with frequency not known:
Laryngospasm, pneumonia and bronchopneumonia, including fatal cases.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Incidence by patient (%), by grade
Oxaliplatin combined with 5-FU/FA
85 mg/m² every 2 weeks
Metastatic Setting
Adjuvant Setting
All grades
Grade 3
Grade 4
All grades
Grade 3
Grade 4
Nausea
69.9
8
<1
73.7
4.8
0.3
Diarrhoea
60.8
9
2
56.3
8.3
2.5
Vomiting
49.0
6
1
47.2
5.3
0.5
Mucositis/Stomatitis
39.9
4
<1
42.1
2.8
0.1
Prophylaxis and/or treatment with potent antiemetic agents is indicated.
Dehydration, paralytic ileus, intestinal obstruction, hypokalaemia, metabolic acidosis and renal impairment may be caused by severe diarrhoea/emesis particularly when combining oxaliplatin with 5 fluorouracil (5 FU) (see section 4.4).
Post marketing experience with frequency not known
- Intestinal ischemia, including fatal outcomes (see section 4.4).
- Gastrointestinal ulcer and perforation, which can be fatal (see section 4.4).
- Oesophagitis
Hepato-biliary disorders
Very common (> 1/10):
Increased liver enzymes, increased blood bilirubin.
Very rare (≤ 1/10000)
Liver sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, also known as veno-occlusive disease of liver, or pathological manifestations related to such liver disorder, including peliosis hepatis, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, perisinusoidal fibrosis. Clinical manifestations may be portal hypertension and/or increased transaminases.
Not known
Focal nodular hyperplasia
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Post-marketing experience with frequency not known
Rhabdomyolysis, including fatal outcomes (see section 4.4).
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Post-marketing experience with frequency not known
Hypersensitivity vasculitis.
Renal and urinary disorders
Very rare (≤ 1/10000)
Acute tubular necrosis, acute interstitial nephritis and acute renal failure.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
There is no known antidote to oxaliplatin. In cases of overdose, exacerbation of adverse events can be expected. Monitoring of haematological parameters should be initiated and symptomatic treatment given.
Ask anything about Oxaliplatin 5 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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