Oplatin 50mg Injection belongs to the group of medications called platinum-based antineoplastic agents. It consists of the active ingredient Oxaliplatin. It is prescribed to treat stage 3 colon cancer after resectioning (surgical removal) of the primary tumor, metastatic colon and rectum cancer. It is used in combination with other anti-cancer medicines. Colorectal cancer is cancer that usually develops in the rectum and large intestine. It develops from the accumulation of various genetic mutations. Both environmental and genetic factors play a significant role in the origin of colorectal cancer. This medicine works against tumors that are resistant to cisplatin therapy.
The common side effects that are likely to associate with Oplatin 50mg Injection are a reduced number of blood cells, unpleasant sensation in the throat, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, heartburn, blood clots, blood in urine, high blood pressure, depression, insomnia, low calcium level. Inform your doctor if these side effects disturb or persist in you.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Oplatin 50mg Injection and its ingredients. Before starting treatment with this medication, inform your physician if you have moderate or mild kidney problems, liver problems, or heart disorders. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including vaccinations. It is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Uses of Oplatin 50mg Injection
Therapeutic Effects of Oplatin 50mg Injection
Oplatin 50mg Injection works by damaging the genetic material, such as DNA and RNA of the cancer cells, that interferes with the growth of cancer cells. It stops their growth and multiplication of cancer cells.
Interaction of Oplatin 50mg Injection with other drugs
Inform your doctor about any prescribed medications, over-the-counter medicines, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products you take or have taken before the treatment. Certain medications may interact with Oplatin 50mg Injection and cause undesirable side effects.
More Information about Oplatin 50mg Injection
How to consume Oplatin 50mg Injection
Oplatin 50mg Injection is given by slow injection into one of your veins (an intravenous infusion) over 2 to 6 hours. Your physician will prescribe a dose according to your body surface area.
Safety Advices for Oplatin 50mg Injection
Pregnancy
Oplatin 50mg Injection is unsafe to use during pregnancy; hence it is not recommended. Women should use effective contraception during and after the 4 months of treatment.
Breast Feeding
It is unsafe to breastfeed during treatment with Oplatin 50mg Injection. Your physician might suggest you stop breastfeeding for some time, depending on your condition.
Lungs
Inform your physician before taking Oplatin 50mg Injection if you have if you have any lung conditions.
Liver
Inform your physician before starting treatment with Oplatin 50mg Injection if you have liver disease or abnormal liver function. Your physician will prescribe the dose accordingly.
Alcohol
It is unknown whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Oplatin 50mg Injection. Consult your doctor for any concerns regarding this.
Driving
Avoid driving or using machinery if you experience side effects like dizziness, nausea, vomiting, vision problems, and other neurological symptoms.
Side Effects of Oplatin 50mg Injection
Side Effects
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Serious
- Abnormal bleeding or bruising
- Severe allergic reactions
- Continuous diarrhea and vomiting
- Sore throat and fever
- Irregular heartbeat
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Mouth ulcers
- Extreme tiredness and breathlessness
- Headache
- Altered mental function
- Blurred vision
- Seizures
Common
- A reduced number of blood cells
- Unpleasant sensation in the throat
- Diarrhea
- Nausea, vomiting
- High risk of infections
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Blood in urine
- Blood clots
- High BP
- Depression and insomnia
- Low levels of calcium in the blood
Word of Advice
It is suggested that women should use effective birth control for at least four weeks before starting and during treatment with Oplatin 50mg Injection. Male patients are advised to use effective contraception during therapy and six months after treatment to avoid fathering children. Before receiving Oplatin 50mg Injection treatment, male patients should get advice on sperm conservation. Pregnant women should not use or handle this drug since it contains cytotoxic substances. This medication is handled exclusively by healthcare professionals who use sterile single-use gloves, protective masks, hats, and goggles. Vaccinations should be avoided when using this drug since they may cause serious side effects.
FAQs
Q 1. What is Oplatin 50mg Injection used for?
Oplatin 50mg Injection is used to treat colon and rectal cancer. It belongs to the group of medications called Platinum-based antineoplastic agents.
Q 2. Who is contraindicated to taking Oplatin 50mg Injection?
Patients with severe kidney problems, low blood cells, tingling, and numbness in the fingers and breastfeeding mothers should not use Oplatin 50mg Injection. It is also not recommended for patients who are allergic to Oplatin 50mg Injection and its ingredients.
Q 3. Is it safe to become a father while taking Oplatin 50mg Injection?
It is unsafe to become a father while on treatment and six months after treatment. Hence, effective contraceptives must be used during this time. Before receiving Oplatin 50mg Injection treatment, male patients should get advice on sperm conservation.
Q 4. Can I drive while taking Oplatin 50mg Injection?
Treatment with Oplatin 50mg Injection may raise the risk of dizziness, nausea, vomiting, vision problems, and other neurological symptoms that affect walking and balance. Therefore, when receiving Oplatin 50mg Injection treatment, avoid operating heavy machinery and driving.
Q 5. Can I take vaccinations while taking Oplatin 50mg Injection?
No, you should not get vaccinated with "live" or "attenuated" vaccinations, like the yellow fever vaccine, as it may weaken the immune system and cause severe adverse effects. Hence, without consulting your healthcare provider, this medication should not be taken with any vaccinations.
Q 6. Is it safe to handle Oplatin 50mg Injection while pregnant?
No, Pregnant women should avoid handling Oplatin 50mg Injection as it contains cytotoxic agents.
Fact Box of Oplatin 50mg Injection
Molecule name: Oxaliplatin | Therapeutic class: Platinum compounds |
Pharmacological class: Antineoplastic or anti-cancer agent | Indications: 1. Treatment of colon and rectal cancer. |