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Oxaliplatin
Chemotherapy (platinum drug) · Used for: Colorectal cancer
💉 Given by IV or injection · Chemotherapy (platinum drug)
Cliff notes
What it is: Chemotherapy (platinum drug).
How it's given: An IV infusion over about 2 hours, usually every 2 weeks as part of FOLFOX.
How it works: Oxaliplatin is a platinum chemo that damages cancer cells' DNA so they can't divide.
Common side effects and what helps at home
| Side effect | What can help |
|---|---|
| Cold-triggered tingling in hands, feet, mouth and throat | For several days after each dose, avoid cold drinks and cold air; wear gloves to touch the fridge. |
| Nausea, diarrhea | Anti-nausea medicine; fluids. |
| Tiredness | Rest. |
| Low blood counts | Hand washing. |
| Allergic reactions | The FDA label has a boxed warning: serious allergic reactions can happen within minutes, during any cycle. You'll be watched during infusions. |
Not everyone gets these. Your team may suggest other ways to manage them.
Call your care team now if you have:
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills (possible infection when blood counts are low)
- Vomiting or diarrhea that won't stop, or you can't keep fluids down
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Signs of an allergic reaction during or after an infusion: trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives
- Trouble breathing or swallowing, or a tight jaw (can be triggered by cold)
- Numbness that lasts between doses or makes it hard to use your hands
- Severe headache, confusion, seizures or vision changes (rare PRES)
- Muscle pain or weakness with dark urine
- Fainting or a fast or irregular heartbeat
Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain or signs of stroke.
🗓 What to expect
1️⃣ Before you start
- Ask your team for a written schedule and an after-hours phone number.
- Gloves, a scarf and room-temperature drinks for the days after treatment.
- Bring a list of all your medicines and supplements.
2️⃣ During each infusion
- You'll get the medicine through an IV in a clinic; nurses check you during the infusion.
- Tell the nurse right away about chills, itching, flushing or trouble breathing.
- Bring a snack, water and something to pass the time.
3️⃣ Between doses
- Watch for the side effects below and use the checklist.
- Keep up with blood tests and visits.
- Call your team for anything in the red box.
✅ Side-effect checklist
Print this and check off what you notice so you can tell your team.
| Side effect | Noticed? | Notes for my team |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-triggered tingling in hands, feet, mouth and throat | ☐ | |
| Nausea, diarrhea | ☐ | |
| Tiredness | ☐ | |
| Low blood counts | ☐ | |
| Allergic reactions | ☐ |
Help paying for Oxaliplatin
Generic chemo has no single manufacturer program, so the copay foundations below are your best bet.
- PAN Foundation: Copays and coinsurance, including for people with Medicare, when a disease fund is open.
- HealthWell Foundation: Grants for copays, deductibles and premiums when a fund is open.
- CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation: Help with treatment copays for insured people under income limits.
- Good Days: Copay help and some travel costs.
- NeedyMeds: Free database of assistance programs, open to anyone.
📋 Medicare: Medicare Part B usually covers drugs given by infusion in a doctor's office or hospital outpatient clinic. You typically pay 20% after the Part B deductible. See Medicare and your cancer drugs.
More: Our guide to paying for cancer treatment.
Regimens that include Oxaliplatin
💬 What experts are saying
OncLive reported on a large trial in people getting FOLFOX for colon cancer. IV calcium and magnesium given around the infusion did not prevent oxaliplatin nerve problems. Telling your team about tingling early, so they can adjust the dose, is still the main tool.
Source: IV Calcium/Magnesium Has No Effect on Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathy (OncLive, July 6, 2013)
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❓ Questions to ask your doctor
- What is the goal of this treatment for me?
- How will we know if it's working?
- Which side effects should I call about right away, and what number do I call after hours?
- Which medicines, vitamins or supplements should I avoid?
- Will this affect my ability to work, drive or care for my family?
- What will this cost me, and who can help me with coverage?
Support groups
- Fight Colorectal Cancer: Patient guides, advocacy and community
- Colorectal Cancer Alliance: Helpline (877-422-2030) and patient navigation
- CancerCare: Free counseling, support groups and financial help
- Cancer Support Community: Support groups, a helpline and the MyLifeLine online community
Common questions
Why can't I drink cold drinks on oxaliplatin?
Oxaliplatin can make nerves extra sensitive to cold for a few days after each dose, causing tingling or throat tightness.
Does oxaliplatin cause hair loss?
Hair thinning can happen, but full hair loss is less common than with some other chemo.
📄 The official FDA label for Oxaliplatin, including its patient information section, is on DailyMed.
Written by the Cancer Side Effects Guide team from FDA labels and leading cancer centers. Not medical advice. · Last updated: October 15, 2026 · How we write