Oxitan 50mg Injection

1. Product Introduction

Oxitan 50mg Injection is a widely used chemotherapy medicine that contains Oxaliplatin as its active ingredient. It belongs to a class of drugs known as platinum-based anti-cancer agents. Oxaliplatin works by inhibiting the growth and multiplication of cancer cells, leading to their death. Oxitan is commonly administered in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, such as fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin, for the effective treatment of certain types of cancer.

This medication is given by intravenous infusion and is typically used in hospital or clinical settings under the supervision of an experienced healthcare professional. Oxitan is an important part of combination chemotherapy regimens like FOLFOX, especially in the management of colorectal cancer. The medication is clear to pale yellow in appearance and must be handled and administered with care.

Oxitan has made a significant difference in the management of cancer by improving survival rates and offering new hope to patients battling advanced and metastatic disease.

2. Uses of Oxitan 50mg Injection

Oxitan 50mg Injection is primarily prescribed for the following purposes:

• Colorectal Cancer: It is commonly used in combination therapy to treat advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer, and also as adjuvant therapy after surgery for stage III colon cancer.

• Gastric (Stomach) Cancer: Oxitan may be part of chemotherapy regimens for advanced stomach cancer.

• Pancreatic and Ovarian Cancer: In certain cases, Oxaliplatin is used off-label for the treatment of these cancers when other options have been exhausted.

• Adjuvant Therapy: After successful surgical removal of the tumor, Oxitan helps prevent recurrence.

• Metastatic Cancer: Used to control the spread of cancer to other organs and improve overall survival and quality of life.

Oxitan’s effectiveness in various cancers has made it a cornerstone drug in oncology protocols around the world.

3. Benefits of Oxitan 50mg Injection

Oxitan 50mg Injection provides multiple clinical advantages:

• Improved Survival Rates: Especially in colorectal cancer, the addition of Oxitan to chemotherapy regimens has significantly increased patient survival rates.

• Tumor Shrinkage: It helps reduce the size of tumors, making them operable or manageable.

• Prevention of Cancer Recurrence: As adjuvant therapy, it helps in minimizing the chances of cancer coming back after surgery.

• Effective Combination Therapy: Oxitan enhances the efficacy of other chemotherapy agents, making the overall treatment more powerful against resistant tumors.

• Tolerable Side Effect Profile: Compared to older platinum-based drugs, Oxaliplatin has fewer side effects on kidneys and hearing, making it safer for long-term use.

• Quality of Life Improvement: By controlling tumor growth and symptoms, it helps patients maintain better functionality and well-being during treatment.

Through its multiple benefits, Oxitan has become a vital drug in achieving positive outcomes for cancer patients.

4. Side Effects

As with most chemotherapy treatments, Oxitan 50mg Injection may cause some side effects. Monitoring and managing these effects are crucial during therapy.

Common Side Effects:

• Peripheral Neuropathy: Tingling, numbness, and pain, especially triggered by cold exposure.

• Nausea and Vomiting: Managed with preventive antiemetic medications.

• Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling tired is common but usually manageable.

• Diarrhea or Constipation: Gastrointestinal disturbances may occur.

• Loss of Appetite: Temporary reduction in food intake.

• Mouth Sores (Stomatitis): Inflammation inside the mouth and throat.

• Low Blood Counts: Leading to increased risk of infections, anemia, and bleeding.

Serious (Rare) Side Effects:

• Severe Allergic Reactions: Such as rash, fever, breathing difficulty.

• Pulmonary Toxicity: Lung inflammation or difficulty breathing.

• Liver Toxicity: Changes in liver function that may need monitoring.

Healthcare providers may adjust the dose or provide supportive treatments like growth factors, hydration, or nutritional support to manage these side effects effectively. Always report unusual symptoms promptly to your doctor.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is Oxitan 50mg Injection used for?
A1. Oxitan is used primarily for treating colorectal cancer, and sometimes for other cancers like gastric or pancreatic cancer, usually as part of combination chemotherapy regimens.

Q2. How is Oxitan 50mg Injection administered?
A2. Oxitan is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, typically over 2 to 6 hours, depending on the protocol. It is usually administered every two to three weeks under hospital supervision.

Q3. Can Oxitan cause nerve problems?
A3. Yes, Oxitan can cause peripheral neuropathy, characterized by tingling, numbness, or pain, often triggered or worsened by exposure to cold. These symptoms are usually reversible after the completion of therapy, but in some cases, they can persist.

Q4. Are there any precautions to take during Oxitan therapy?
A4. Yes, patients are advised to avoid cold temperatures and cold beverages during and after treatment. Proper hand and foot care, wearing warm clothing, and reporting any severe symptoms immediately is important.

Q5. Is it safe to use Oxitan during pregnancy?
A5. No, Oxitan should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm the developing fetus. Effective contraception should be used during treatment and for several months afterward.

REFERENCES

1. KD. Tripathi. Anticancer Drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 862.

2. Zaoqin Yu, Rui Huang, Li Zhao, Ximin Wang, Xiaofang Shangguan, Wei Li, Min Li, Xianguo Yin, Chengliang Zhang and Dong Liu. Safety Profile of Oxaliplatin in 3,687 Patients With Cancer in China: A Post-Marketing Surveillance Study. Frontiers in Oncology. October 2021 [Accessed on 14th November 2022] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2021.757196/full

3. T. Alcindor, MD and N. Beauger, PhD MBA. Oxaliplatin: a review in the era of molecularly targeted therapy. Journal of Current Oncology. February 2011 [Accessed on 14th November 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3031353/

4. E.Raymond, S.G.Chaney, A.Taamma, E.Cvitkovic. Oxaliplatin: A review of preclinical and clinical studies. Journal of Annals of Oncology. October 1998 [Accessed on 9th November 2022] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0923753419482045

5. Accord Healthcare Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in February 2022] [Accessed on 14th November 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6088.pdf, https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6088/smpc

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