OXALIPLATIN 50mg/25mls | OPLATIN – 1 VIAL

Oxaliplatin is a platinum-containing complex similar to cisplatin. It is given with fluorouracil and folinic acid in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and in the adjuvant treatment of stage III (Dukes C) colon cancer. The recommended dose in Kenya is 85 mg/m² by intravenous infusion over 2 to 6 hours, dissolved in 250 to 500 mL of glucose 5%. The dose may be repeated at intervals of 2 weeks if toxicity permits, reduced according to tolerance. In the adjuvant setting, oxaliplatin is given for 12 cycles. After persistent neurotoxicity or recovery from severe adverse effects the manufacturers recommend an initial reduction to 65 mg/m² in metastatic colorectal cancer, and to 75 mg/m² when given as adjuvant treatment. Oxaliplatin should always be given before fluoropyrimidines. Oxaliplatin is under investigation for the treatment of ovarian and lung cancer. A liposomal formulation of oxaliplatin is in development.