Warning and Precaution

Keep in mind that you cannot use oxaliplatin chemotherapy if you are:

• Pregnant: There’s a possibility that the unborn infant may be harmed because of taking this drug.
• Breastfeeding: Although there are no studies that suggest that the medication can be passed into the breast milk, it is still discouraged to be used when actively breastfeeding.
• Trying to conceive: Taking this drug may cause fertility issues, hence why it’s not recommended to be taken if you’re planning to have a child.

The same goes if you are diagnosed with the following health conditions:

• Sepsis: Since a person with sepsis already has a low immune system, it is discouraged to take this medication because of how it can hinder bone marrow function which can make the body more susceptible to infections.
• Chronic lung disease: There can be an increased risk of pulmonary toxicity in using this drug. This can lead the patient to experience difficulties in breathing and other negative effects  that can be inflicted on the lungs.
• Rhabdomyolysis: As the aforementioned rare health condition causes muscles to break down, it’s not recommended to use this medication if you have it due to how it can worsen the injury and cause more damage to the muscles.
• Acute kidney injury: There are toxicity risks when it comes to taking this drug when you have this impairment. Considering that this medication is extracted to the kidneys, it’s unadvisable to use it as there can be build-up of the drug which increases poisoning effects.
• Grade 3 or 4 peripheral sensory neuropathy: Further nerve damage may happen if you use this drug with this health condition.
• Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES): Using this medication may lead to experiencing neurotoxic side effects. This means the patient may be more prone to developing neurological impairments like cerebral edema, seizures, and the like.
• Platinum hypersensitivity: This medication is a platinum-containing chemotherapy drug. If you’re sensitive to platinum-based drugs, severe allergy reactions may be triggered like anaphylaxis.

Further, be transparent regarding your complete medical history to ensure that this medication is safe for you. Tell your healthcare provider if you:

• Are allergic
• Have kidney issues
• Have bone marrow problems
• Have nerve disorders
• Have heart-related problems or have a family history of it
• Have potassium or magnesium deficiency

Don’t forget to mention the other medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements that you’re currently taking as well. This is for your doctor to know what the right dosage to prescribe you or if the medication that you’re currently using is safe to be taken with a vial of oxaliplatin chemotherapy.

Also, refrain from getting immunizations while using this drug (or even after you have stopped doing so) without getting an approval from your healthcare provider.