Oxaliplatin
Say it: ox-AL-ih-plat-in
Oxaliplatin is a platinum chemotherapy medicine that damages the DNA in cancer cells so they cannot grow.
What it is
Oxaliplatin contains the metal platinum. It binds to DNA and links the strands together. Cancer cells cannot copy themselves and die.
Often used for
- colon cancer after surgery
- colorectal cancer that has spread
- and some other digestive cancers, such as stomach and pancreatic cancer
How you get it
Oxaliplatin is given through a vein (IV), usually over 2 hours. It is often given every 2 or 3 weeks, together with other medicines. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, mouth, or throat, often set off by cold. Avoid cold drinks and cold air, and wear gloves to touch cold things.
- A tight feeling in the throat when breathing cold air. Cover your mouth with a scarf outside.
- Nausea and vomiting. Take your anti-nausea medicine as your team tells you.
- Diarrhea. Drink fluids and tell your team if it is frequent.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection and bleeding. Wash your hands often.
- Mouth sores. Use a soft toothbrush and gentle rinses.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
- Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a racing heart during or after the infusion
- Numbness or tingling that makes it hard to button clothes, write, or walk
- Diarrhea more than 4 times a day, or that does not stop
- A severe headache, confusion, or vision changes
- A new cough or shortness of breath
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have kidney problems
- If you have numbness or tingling already
- If you have had a reaction to a platinum medicine
- If you have heart rhythm problems
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- Nerve damage is common. Tell your team about numbness at every visit, since it may build up over time.
- Allergic reactions can happen, even after many doses.
- You will have blood tests to check your blood counts.
- Rarely, it can cause lung problems or a brain swelling problem that causes headache and vision changes.
Questions to ask
- How long will the cold sensitivity last after each dose?
- What should I do if numbness gets worse?
- What other medicines will I get with this?
- Can I eat or drink cold things on treatment days?
Part of these treatment plans
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Mouth sores
- Low white blood cells and infection risk
- Low platelets and bleeding
- Neuropathy (numbness and tingling)
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Oxaliplatin?
- Oxaliplatin is a platinum chemotherapy medicine that damages the DNA in cancer cells so they cannot grow.
- What is Oxaliplatin used for?
- colon cancer after surgery; colorectal cancer that has spread; and some other digestive cancers, such as stomach and pancreatic cancer.
- How is Oxaliplatin given?
- Oxaliplatin is given through a vein (IV), usually over 2 hours. It is often given every 2 or 3 weeks, together with other medicines. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Oxaliplatin?
- Tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, mouth, or throat, often set off by cold. A tight feeling in the throat when breathing cold air. Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea. Feeling tired. Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection and bleeding. Mouth sores.
- When should I call my care team while taking Oxaliplatin?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a racing heart during or after the infusion; Numbness or tingling that makes it hard to button clothes, write, or walk; Diarrhea more than 4 times a day, or that does not stop; A severe headache, confusion, or vision changes; A new cough or shortness of breath.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Oxaliplatin?
- CAPOX, FLOT, FOLFIRINOX, FOLFOX, FOLFOXIRI, R-GemOx.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.