How long does oxaliplatin stay in your system?
Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) is a platinum-based drug used to treat colon cancer which is administered by intravenous (IV) infusion. After it is administered, oxaliplatin is converted into total platinum, ultrafilterable (free) platinum and erythrocyte platinum.
Ultrafiterable platinum represents the main active substance that provides oxaliplatin’s anti-cancer and toxic properties. Initially plasma ultrafiltrate is distributed quite quickly in the body in two phases, with half-lives (the amount of time it takes to reduce by half) of 0.43 and 16.8 hours, respectively, as the drug is moved into tissues and also cleared by the kidneys.
The third phase of elimination (the terminal half-life of platinum in ultrafiltrate), however, can be as long as 392 hours (approx. 16 days), although this is thought to reflect clearance of mostly inactive platinum conjugates.
After a single oxaliplatin infusion, about 54 percent of the drug is excreted in urine within 5 days.
Oxaliplatin stops cancer cells from growing and multiplying and kills them by interfering with the development of DNA in a cell. Because the effects can be long-lasting it is recommended that people who are able to get pregnant use an effective form of contraception while receiving this medication and for 9 months after they finish taking it.
For males with a female partner capable of becoming pregnant, it is recommended that effective contraception is used while receiving oxaliplatin and for 6 months after the final dose.
References
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Eloxatin Product Label. [Accessed 21 December, 2022]. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/021759s023lbl.pdf.
- Graham MA, Lockwood GF, Greenslade D, Brienza S, Bayssas M, Gamelin E. Clinical pharmacokinetics of oxaliplatin: a critical review. Clin Cancer Res. 2000;6(4):1205-1218.
Read next
Chemo side effects: What should I expect and how to cope?
Chemotherapy is a drug treatment used to kill fast-growing cancer cells in your body. While chemotherapy is an effective treatment for many types of cancer, it can also damage healthy cells that divide quickly, such as those in your hair follicles, digestive tract, and bone marrow. This widespread effect on healthy tissue is what causes the various side effects associated with chemotherapy treatment.
Continue reading
What is the FOLFOX chemo regimen and is it effective?
FOLFOX is a combination chemotherapy regimen primarily used to treat colorectal cancer, in both early-stage and advanced-stage settings. It includes folinic acid (leucovorin), fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin. These drugs work together to destroy cancer cells by disrupting their DNA synthesis and function.
Continue reading
What is the CAPOX (XELOX) chemotherapy regimen?
The CAPOX chemotherapy regimen includes capecitabine and oxaliplatin. It is a widely used and effective chemotherapy protocol for advanced colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers. It combines oral capecitabine and intravenous oxaliplatin, administered in 3-week cycles.
Continue readingSee also:
Aimovig
Learn about Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) a once-monthly, injectable medication that can be ...
Botox
Botox is used for cosmetic purposes and to treat overactive bladder symptoms, urinary incontinence ...
Opdivo Qvantig
Opdivo Qvantig is used to treat adults with melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell ...
Nurtec ODT
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is used to treat acute migraines and prevent episodic migraines, by ...
Emgality
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a CGRP antagonist for the preventive treatment of migraine and for ...
Inderal
Inderal (propranolol) is used to treat angina, high blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders ...
Ajovy
Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) is a preventive migraine treatment. Includes Ajovy side effects ...
Vyepti
Vyepti (eptinezumab-jjmr) is used for the preventive treatment of migraine. Includes Vyepti ...
Botox Cosmetic
Botox Cosmetic is a prescription treatment for fine lines and wrinkles. It temporarily improves the ...
Fremanezumab
Fremanezumab is used for chronic migraine, headache, migraine, migraine prevention
Related medical questions
- How do you manage neuropathy from chemo?
- What is chemo brain and how long does it last?
- What is the FLOT chemotherapy regimen and how does it work?
- What is FOLFIRINOX regimen​ and how is it used?
- How soon can you start chemo after port placement?
- How many cycles of oxaliplatin can you have?
- How often should I have a colonoscopy with ulcerative colitis?
- What is the success rate of Keytruda?
- How long does it take for Keytruda to work?
- What is the FOLFIRI chemo regimen and how does it work?
- Why do you need to take Xeloda with food?
- Pembrolizumab vs. nivolumab: How do they compare?
- How effective is Lumakras, what's the survival rate?
- What is the difference between Mvasi and Avastin?
- How long does Lonsurf increase survival in colorectal cancer?
- How effective are Opdivo and Yervoy when taken together?
- Opdivo vs Opdivo Qvantig: What is the Difference?
- How effective is tucatinib (Tukysa) for breast cancer?
- What's the mechanism of action for tucatinib?
- What is Braftovi used to treat?
- Common Types of Cancer Medications
Drug information
- Oxaliplatin Information for Consumers
- Oxaliplatin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Oxaliplatin (detailed)
- Oxaliplatin user reviews (5)
Related support groups
- Oxaliplatin (10 questions, 11 members)
- Colorectal Cancer (22 questions, 53 members)