Eloxatin (oxaliplatin)
Sanofi; generics available · Platinum-Based Chemotherapy Agent
What is Eloxatin? Oxaliplatin (brand: Eloxatin) is a third-generation platinum chemotherapy agent that is a cornerstone of colorectal cancer treatment in the FOLFOX and CAPOX regimens. It has a different toxicity profile from cisplatin — notably causing sensory neuropathy rather than nephrotoxicity.
About Eloxatin
| Brand Name | Eloxatin |
| Generic / INN | oxaliplatin |
| Drug Class | Platinum-Based Chemotherapy Agent |
| Manufacturer | Sanofi; generics available |
| Administration | Intravenous (IV) infusion |
| FDA Approval | 2002 |
FDA-Approved Uses for Eloxatin
Indications are based on FDA approval. Your healthcare provider determines appropriate use based on your specific diagnosis, stage, biomarker status, and overall clinical picture.
- Colorectal cancer — adjuvant after resection of Stage III colon cancer (with 5-FU/leucovorin)
- Metastatic colorectal cancer — first-line (with 5-FU/leucovorin — FOLFOX4)
How Does Eloxatin Work?
Oxaliplatin is an alkylating agent that forms DNA crosslinks (intrastrand and interstrand adducts) between guanine residues, inhibiting DNA replication and transcription. Unlike cisplatin, oxaliplatin forms different DNA adducts that are not repaired by mismatch repair (MMR), giving it activity in MMR-deficient tumors.
Dosage & Administration
FOLFOX: 85 mg/m² IV over 2 hours on day 1 of each 14-day cycle. CAPOX: 130 mg/m² IV over 2 hours on day 1 of each 21-day cycle. Administered through a peripheral or central line — must avoid COLD exposure for 3–5 days after infusion (cold sensitivity).
Dosing is individualized by the prescribing clinician. Never adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider. This information is educational only and does not replace the official prescribing information.
Warnings, Precautions & Side Effects
General Warning
Peripheral sensory neuropathy — cumulative, can be permanent at high cumulative doses; dose reduce or stop if severe. Acute cold-triggered dysesthesias — occur within hours and are reversible; advise patients to avoid cold exposure and drinks. Myelosuppression. Hepatic toxicity (sinusoidal obstruction). Embryo-fetal toxicity.
- Persistent peripheral neuropathy (cumulative, potentially permanent)
- Anaphylactic reactions
- Hepatotoxicity (sinusoidal obstruction syndrome)
- Embryo-fetal toxicity
Common Side Effects
- Peripheral sensory neuropathy (cumulative)
- Cold-triggered acute dysesthesias
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Myelosuppression
- Elevated LFTs
This is not a complete list. Always report new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.
Storage & Handling
Vials: store at room temperature 25°C (77°F). Protect from light. Do NOT refrigerate reconstituted solution (precipitation occurs).
BiologicHealthPlus provides temperature-monitored cold-chain specialty delivery for medications requiring refrigeration. Never use a medication if its storage conditions have been compromised.
Insurance Coverage, Prior Authorization & Patient Assistance
🛡️ Commercial Insurance
Eloxatin is covered by most major commercial insurance plans when medically necessary and prior authorized. Coverage tier and cost-sharing vary by plan.
✅ Prior Authorization
Prior authorization is required by virtually all insurance plans for Eloxatin. BiologicHealthPlus handles the complete prior authorization process at no cost to patients or providers.
🏥 Medicare Coverage
Medicare Part B covers this IV medication when administered in a clinical setting. Medicaid coverage varies by state.
🆓 Patient Assistance
Manufacturer patient assistance programs may be available for eligible uninsured or underinsured patients. Contact BiologicHealthPlus for a confidential eligibility review.
Prior Authorization Patient Assistance Insurance & Savings Medication Costs
Frequently Asked Questions — Eloxatin
Oxaliplatin is a cornerstone of colorectal cancer treatment — used as adjuvant therapy for Stage III colon cancer (FOLFOX) and for metastatic colorectal cancer (FOLFOX or CAPOX regimens).
FOLFOX stands for FOLinic acid (leucovorin), Fluorouracil (5-FU), and OXaliplatin — a standard first-line regimen for colorectal cancer.
Oxaliplatin causes acute cold-triggered dysesthesias — touching cold objects or drinking cold liquids triggers painful tingling/cramping in the hands and throat. This typically occurs within hours of infusion and resolves in days but can persist. Cumulative neuropathy is a separate, longer-term issue.
Yes. Generic oxaliplatin is widely available from multiple manufacturers.
Related Medications & Conditions
Related Medications
Fluorouracil (5-FU) · Capecitabine (Xeloda) · Irinotecan (Camptosar) · Bevacizumab (Avastin) · Cetuximab (Erbitux)
Related Conditions
Colorectal cancer · Metastatic colorectal cancer · Stage III colon cancer