Folfirinox Chemo Regimen
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 2, 2024.
FOLFIRINOX chemo regimen:
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. You will receive these medicines while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. The medicines need to be given on a fixed schedule. If you need to miss a dose, call your doctor or treatment clinic immediately. The following infusion cycle will repeat every 14 days, usually for 12 cycles (6 months):
- Oxaliplatin IV, day 1
- Leucovorin IV, day 1
- Irinotecan IV, day 1
- Fluorouracil IV, day 1 and then through home infusion pump over 46 hours
Before you receive these medicines:
- Ask questions if you do not understand what your doctor or nurse is telling you about the medicines. Make sure you understand all the risks and benefits of this treatment.
- Talk to your doctor about all your current medicines and supplements. Do not take any medicines or supplements unless they have been discussed with your doctor.
On each infusion day:
- Blood may be drawn to make sure the doses you are being given are right for you.
- Medicines may be given to help with nausea and vomiting and to decrease your risk for reactions.
Infusion precautions:
- Contact your doctor or nurse immediately if you feel short of breath or have trouble breathing during or after your infusion.
- Tell the doctor or nurse right away if you notice redness, pain, or swelling at the infusion site.
After each infusion:
- If possible, have someone stay with you to call for help if you have serious side effects.
- Drink extra liquids to help prevent nausea and to keep your kidneys and liver working well.
- You may be at risk for infections. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Do not have close contact with anyone who is sick. Ask your doctor about vaccines you may need to prevent infections.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if you have any of the following:
- Chest pain or pressure, fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- Seizures, confusion
- Hives, swelling in your lips, face, or throat, headache, lightheadedness, fainting, flushing
Call your nurse or doctor immediately if you have any of the following:
- Clumsiness, coordination problems, trouble walking, slow heartbeat
- Unusual bleeding, bruising, weakness, or tiredness
- Severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, stomach pain or cramping, red or black bowel movements
- Shortness of breath, trouble breathing, noisy breathing, pale skin, dizziness
- Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, feet, mouth, or throat
- Bloody urine, decrease in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain
- Red skin on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, peeling skin
Talk to your nurse or doctor if you have any of the following:
- Fever, chills, sore throat, runny nose, dry cough, mild skin rash
- Mild nausea or vomiting, heartburn, stomach cramps, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss
- Changes in taste or smell, sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat, trouble swallowing
- Fatigue, anxiety, trouble sleeping, hair loss or thinning
- Blurred vision or dry, sore, red, itchy, or watery eyes
Follow up with your oncologist as directed:
Your oncologist will need to check your progress at regular visits. Blood tests may be needed to check for side effects.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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