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Interactions between Oxaliplatin and Vitamin e

1 drug interaction and 15 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

vitamin E oxaliplatin

Applies to: vitamin e and oxaliplatin
Generally avoid

The potential effects of vitamin E on cancer chemotherapy and radiation have not been established. Because vitamin E is an antioxidant, pharmacologic doses could theoretically interfere with radiation therapy and chemotherapeutic agents whose cytotoxic mechanism depends on generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage DNA and proteins, including but not limited to alkylating agents (e.g., busulfan, cyclophosphamide, melphalan), anthracyclines (e.g., doxorubicin, epirubicin), platinum coordination complexes (e.g., cisplatin, carboplatin), DNA topoisomerase inhibitors (e.g., etoposide, teniposide, irinotecan, topotecan), and photodynamic agents (e.g., porfimer). On the other hand, vitamin E may help reduce oxidative stress associated with more aggressive cancers and protect non-cancer cells from oxidative damage generated by cancer treatments, which can enhance patient tolerance and lessen the need for reducing dosage or duration of treatment. Limited data from clinical studies suggest that vitamin E may attenuate cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity without compromising antineoplastic efficacy, whereas no effect on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity has been reported. Animal studies have also reported an increase in the effectiveness of some antineoplastic agents against certain cancers in the presence of vitamin E (e.g., fluorouracil for colon cancer), although these results have not been replicated in human studies. Still other studies have found neither a beneficial nor adverse effect of vitamin E on cancer development or treatment, although slightly increased risks of heart failure and mortality in association with vitamin E have been observed. A review of published randomized clinical trials regarding concurrent antioxidant supplementation during cytotoxic therapy was conducted by a group of investigators at the Naval Medical Center San Diego and published in 2008. Based on their findings, the investigators recommended that use of supplemental antioxidants during chemotherapy and radiation therapy be discouraged due to the possibility of tumor protection and reduced survival. Additional and larger studies are clearly needed to determine the exact nature of the interaction between vitamin E and ROS-generating chemotherapies. Other antineoplastic agents such as the taxanes (e.g., docetaxel, paclitaxel), vinca alkaloids (e.g., vinblastine, vincristine), and antimetabolites (e.g., cytarabine, fluorouracil, methotrexate) are also known to generate a low level of oxidative stress in biological systems, but free radical damage is not considered their primary mechanism of action and it is not known if or how vitamin E may affect them.

Management

Until more information is available, vitamin E supplementation should preferably be avoided in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Clinicians should closely monitor antitumor response if vitamin E is used in these patients. No specific dosing of vitamin E has been established for uses other than to treat vitamin E deficiency. There has been evidence suggesting possible adverse health effects including increased risk of heart failure and mortality in association with long-term use of 400 IU/day or greater.

References (9)
  1. Whittaker JA, Al-Ismail SA (1984) "Effect of digoxin and vitamin E in preventing cardiac damage caused by doxorubicin in acute myeloid leukaemia." Br Med J (Clin Res Ed), 288, p. 283-4
  2. Lonn E, Bosch J, Yusuf S, et al. (2005) "Effects of long-term vitamin E supplementation on cardiovascular events and cancer: a randomized controlled trial." JAMA, 293, p. 1338-47
  3. Labriola D, Livingston R (1999) "Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy." Oncology (Williston Park), 13, 1003-8; discussion 1008, 1011-2
  4. Therapeutic Research Faculty (2008) Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com
  5. Block KI, Koch AC, Mead MN, Tothy PK, Newman RA, Gyllenhaal C (2008) "Impact of antioxidant supplementation on chemotherapeutic toxicity: a systematic review of the evidence from randomized controlled trials." Int J Cancer, 123, p. 1227-39
  6. D'Andrea GM (2005) "Use of antioxidants during chemotherapy and radiotherapy should be avoided." CA Cancer J Clin, 55, p. 319-21
  7. Prasad KN (2004) "Rationale for using high-dose multiple dietary antioxidants as an adjunct to radiation therapy and chemotherapy." J Nutr, 134, 3182S-3S
  8. Conklin KA (2004) "Cancer chemotherapy and antioxidants." J Nutr, 134, 3201S-4S
  9. Pace A, Savarese A, Picardo M, et al. (2003) "Neuroprotective effect of vitamin E supplementation in patients treated with cisplatin chemotherapy." J Clin Oncol, 21, p. 927-31

Food/lifestyle interactions

No alcohol/food interactions were found. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Disease interactions

15 potential interactions Applies to: 15 conditions, including Peripheral Neuropathy, Arrhythmia, Liver Disease, Bleeding Disorder, and Infection.

Arrhythmia

Major:

oxaliplatin

Oxaliplatin has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

The use of oxaliplatin has been associated with QT prolongation, and ventricular arrhythmias including fatal Torsade de Pointes. Therapy with oxaliplatin should be administered cautiously in patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, and electrolyte abnormalities. Correct hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia prior to initiating oxaliplatin and monitor these electrolytes periodically during therapy. Avoid oxaliplatin in patients with congenital long QT syndrome.

Biliary Obstruction

Major:

vitamin e

vitamin E has a major potential interaction with Biliary Obstruction.

Vitamin E is fat soluble and many oral formulations require bile for adequate intestinal absorption. Hepatic and/or biliary dysfunction decrease the absorption of vitamin E. Water- miscible vitamin E formulations may be better absorbed from the GI tract under these conditions. Vitamin E is metabolized by the liver and primarily excreted in bile and feces. Hepatic and/or biliary impairment can alter the metabolic and therapeutic activity of vitamin E.

Bleeding Disorder

Moderate:

oxaliplatin

Oxaliplatin has a moderate potential interaction with Bleeding Disorder.

Thrombocytopenia was frequently reported with the combination of oxaliplatin and infusional 5-FU/LV. Therapy with oxaliplatin should be administered cautiously in patients whose bone marrow reserve may be severely depressed by prior chemotherapy or irradiation, whose marrow function is recovering from previous cytotoxic therapy, or in patients with compromised renal function. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting bleeding such as petechia, purpura, epistaxis, hemoptysis, hematuria, and melena. Therapy with oxaliplatin should be administered cautiously in patients with compromised bone marrow reserve. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.

Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts

Moderate:

oxaliplatin

Oxaliplatin has a moderate potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.

Thrombocytopenia was frequently reported with the combination of oxaliplatin and infusional 5-FU/LV. Therapy with oxaliplatin should be administered cautiously in patients whose bone marrow reserve may be severely depressed by prior chemotherapy or irradiation, whose marrow function is recovering from previous cytotoxic therapy, or in patients with compromised renal function. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggesting bleeding such as petechia, purpura, epistaxis, hemoptysis, hematuria, and melena. Therapy with oxaliplatin should be administered cautiously in patients with compromised bone marrow reserve. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.

Electrolyte Abnormalities

Major:

oxaliplatin

Oxaliplatin has a major potential interaction with Electrolyte Abnormalities.

The use of oxaliplatin has been associated with QT prolongation, and ventricular arrhythmias including fatal Torsade de Pointes. Therapy with oxaliplatin should be administered cautiously in patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, and electrolyte abnormalities. Correct hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia prior to initiating oxaliplatin and monitor these electrolytes periodically during therapy. Avoid oxaliplatin in patients with congenital long QT syndrome.

Infection

Moderate:

oxaliplatin

Oxaliplatin has a moderate potential interaction with Infection.

The use of oxaliplatin for injection and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin has been associated with sepsis, neutropenic sepsis and septic shock with fatal outcomes. Therapy with oxaliplatin should be administered cautiously in patients predisposed to neutropenia. Patients should be warned to report any febrile illness.

Liver Disease

Major:

vitamin e

vitamin E has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Vitamin E is fat soluble and many oral formulations require bile for adequate intestinal absorption. Hepatic and/or biliary dysfunction decrease the absorption of vitamin E. Water- miscible vitamin E formulations may be better absorbed from the GI tract under these conditions. Vitamin E is metabolized by the liver and primarily excreted in bile and feces. Hepatic and/or biliary impairment can alter the metabolic and therapeutic activity of vitamin E.

Malabsorption Syndrome

Minor:

vitamin e

vitamin E has a minor potential interaction with Malabsorption Syndrome.

Vitamin E is readily absorbed from the intestinal tract in the presence of bile. Prolonged fat malabsorption (cystic fibrosis, hepatic cirrhosis, sprue) or malabsorption syndromes (celiac disease, GI resection) can decrease the absorption of many oral formulations of vitamin E. A water- miscible formulation of vitamin E may be better absorbed in these conditions.

Myoneural Disorder

Moderate:

oxaliplatin

Oxaliplatin has a moderate potential interaction with Myoneural Disorder.

Rhabdomyolysis, including fatal cases, has been reported during the administration of oxaliplatin. Therapy with oxaliplatin should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to myopathy. Clinical monitoring is recommended during therapy with oxaliplatin and discontinuation of therapy if any signs or symptoms of rhabdomyolysis occur.

Myopathy

Moderate:

oxaliplatin

Oxaliplatin has a moderate potential interaction with Myopathy.

Rhabdomyolysis, including fatal cases, has been reported during the administration of oxaliplatin. Therapy with oxaliplatin should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to myopathy. Clinical monitoring is recommended during therapy with oxaliplatin and discontinuation of therapy if any signs or symptoms of rhabdomyolysis occur.

Neurological Disorders

Moderate:

oxaliplatin

Oxaliplatin has a moderate potential interaction with Neurological Disorders.

Oxaliplatin for injection is associated with two types of neuropathy. An acute, reversible, primarily peripheral, sensory neuropathy that is of early onset, occurring within hours or one to two days of dosing, that resolves within 14 days, and that frequently recurs with further dosing and a persistent (>14 days), primarily peripheral, sensory neuropathy that is usually characterized by paresthesias, dysesthesias, hypoesthesias, but may also include deficits in proprioception that can interfere with daily activities (e.g., writing, buttoning, swallowing, and difficulty walking from impaired proprioception). Ice (mucositis prophylaxis) should be avoided during the infusion of oxaliplatin for Injection because cold temperature can exacerbate acute neurological symptoms. Therapy with oxaliplatin should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to neurologic dysfunction.

Neutropenia

Moderate:

oxaliplatin

Oxaliplatin has a moderate potential interaction with Neutropenia.

The use of oxaliplatin for injection and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin has been associated with sepsis, neutropenic sepsis and septic shock with fatal outcomes. Therapy with oxaliplatin should be administered cautiously in patients predisposed to neutropenia. Patients should be warned to report any febrile illness.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Moderate:

oxaliplatin

Oxaliplatin has a moderate potential interaction with Peripheral Neuropathy.

Oxaliplatin for injection is associated with two types of neuropathy. An acute, reversible, primarily peripheral, sensory neuropathy that is of early onset, occurring within hours or one to two days of dosing, that resolves within 14 days, and that frequently recurs with further dosing and a persistent (>14 days), primarily peripheral, sensory neuropathy that is usually characterized by paresthesias, dysesthesias, hypoesthesias, but may also include deficits in proprioception that can interfere with daily activities (e.g., writing, buttoning, swallowing, and difficulty walking from impaired proprioception). Ice (mucositis prophylaxis) should be avoided during the infusion of oxaliplatin for Injection because cold temperature can exacerbate acute neurological symptoms. Therapy with oxaliplatin should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to neurologic dysfunction.

Pulmonary Impairment

Major:

oxaliplatin

Oxaliplatin has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.

Oxaliplatin has been associated with pulmonary fibrosis (<1% of study patients), which may be fatal. Caution should be exercised when administering oxaliplatin in patients with compromised pulmonary function. Patients should be instructed to immediately report symptoms of unexplained respiratory symptoms such as non-productive cough, dyspnea, crackles, or radiological pulmonary infiltrates. Close clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended and oxaliplatin should be discontinued until further pulmonary investigation excludes interstitial lung disease or pulmonary fibrosis.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

oxaliplatin

Oxaliplatin has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

The major route of platinum elimination is renal excretion. The exposure (AUC) of unbound platinum in plasma ultrafiltrate tends to increase in renally impaired patients. The starting dose of oxaliplatin should be reduced in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min). Caution and close monitoring should be exercised when oxaliplatin is administered to patients with renal impairment.

More resources

oxaliplatin

A total of 662 drugs are known to interact with oxaliplatin.

vitamin e

A total of 273 drugs are known to interact with vitamin e.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.