Oxaliplatin

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of oxaliplatin for injection. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Body as a whole:

angioedema, anaphylactic shock

Central and peripheral nervous system disorders:

loss of deep tendon reflexes, dysarthria, Lhermitte’s sign, cranial nerve palsies, fasciculations, convulsion, Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS, also known as PRES).

Liver and Gastrointestinal system disorders:

severe diarrhea/vomiting resulting in hypokalemia, colitis (including Clostridium difficile diarrhea), metabolic acidosis; ileus; intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis; veno-occlusive disease of liver also known as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, and perisinusoidal fibrosis which rarely may progress.

Hearing and vestibular system disorders:

deafness

Platelet, bleeding, and clotting disorders:

immuno-allergic thrombocytopenia

prolongation of prothrombin time and of INR in patients receiving anticoagulants

Red Blood Cell disorders:

hemolytic uremic syndrome, immuno-allergic hemolytic anemia

Renal disorders:

Acute tubular necrosis, acute interstitial nephritis and acute renal failure.

Respiratory system disorders:

pulmonary fibrosis, and other interstitial lung diseases (sometimes fatal)

Vision disorders:

decrease of visual acuity, visual field disturbance, optic neuritis and transient vision loss

 (reversible following therapy discontinuation)

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

No specific cytochrome P-450-based drug interaction studies have been conducted. No pharmacokinetic interaction between 85 mg/m² oxaliplatin for injection and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin has been observed in patients treated every 2 weeks. Increases of 5-fluorouracil plasma concentrations by approximately 20% have been observed with doses of 130 mg/m² oxaliplatin for injection dosed every 3 weeks. Because platinum-containing species are eliminated primarily through the kidney, clearance of these products may be decreased by coadministration of potentially nephrotoxic compounds; although, this has not been specifically studied [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1 Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category D

Based on direct interaction with DNA, oxaliplatin for injection may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of oxaliplatin for injection in pregnant women. Reproductive toxicity studies in rats demonstrated adverse effects on fertility and embryo-fetal development at maternal doses that were below the recommended human dose based on body surface area. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant and use effective contraception while receiving treatment with oxaliplatin for injection.

Pregnant rats were administered oxaliplatin at less than one-tenth the recommended human dose based on body surface area during gestation days 1 to 5 (pre-implantation), 6 to 10, or 11 to 16 (during organogenesis). Oxaliplatin caused developmental mortality (increased early resorptions) when administered on days 6 to 10 and 11 to 16 and adversely affected fetal growth (decreased fetal weight, delayed ossification) when administered on days 6 to 10. Administration of oxaliplatin to male and female rats prior to mating resulted in 97% post-implantation loss in animals that received approximately one-seventh the recommended human dose based on the body surface area.

8.3 Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether oxaliplatin for injection or its derivatives are excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from oxaliplatin for injection, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

8.4 Pediatric Use

The effectiveness of oxaliplatin in children has not been established. Oxaliplatin has been tested in 2 Phase 1 and 2 Phase 2 trials in 235 patients ages 7 months to 22 years with solid tumors (see below) and no significant activity observed.

In a Phase 1/2 study, oxaliplatin was administered as a 2-hour intravenous infusion on Days 1, 8 and 15 every 4 weeks (1 cycle), for a maximum of 6 cycles, to 43 patients with refractory or relapsed malignant solid tumors, mainly neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma. Twenty eight pediatric patients in the Phase 1 study received oxaliplatin at 6 dose levels starting at 40 mg/m² with escalation to 110 mg/m². The dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was sensory neuropathy at the 110 mg/m² dose. Fifteen patients received oxaliplatin at a dose of 90 mg/m² intravenous in the Phase 2 portion of the study. At this dose, paresthesia (60%, G3/4: 7%), fever (40%, G3/4: 7%) and thrombocytopenia (40%, G3/4: 27%) were the main adverse reactions. No responses were observed.

In a second Phase 1 study, oxaliplatin was administered to 26 pediatric patients as a 2-hour intravenous infusion on day 1 every 3 weeks (1 cycle) at 5 dose levels starting at 100 mg/m² with escalation to 160 mg/m², for a maximum of 6 cycles. In a separate cohort, oxaliplatin 85 mg/m² was administered on day 1 every 2 weeks, for a maximum of 9 doses. Patients had metastatic or unresectable solid tumors mainly neuroblastoma and ganglioneuroblastoma. No responses were observed. The DLT was sensory neuropathy at the 160 mg/m² dose. Based on these studies, oxaliplatin 130 mg/m² as a 2-hour intravenous infusion on day 1 every 3 weeks (1 cycle) was used in subsequent Phase 2 studies. A dose of 85 mg/m² on day 1 every 2 weeks was also found to be tolerable.

In one Phase 2 study, 43 pediatric patients with recurrent or refractory embryonal CNS tumors received oxaliplatin 130 mg/m² every 3 weeks for a maximum of 12 months in absence of progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. In patients < 10 kg the oxaliplatin dose used was 4.3 mg/kg. The most common adverse reactions reported were leukopenia (67%, G3/4: 12%), anemia (65%, G3/4: 5%), thrombocytopenia (65%, G3/4: 26%), vomiting (65%, G3/4: 7%), neutropenia (58%, G3/4: 16%) and sensory neuropathy (40%, G3/4: 5%). One partial response was observed.

8.5 Geriatric Use

No significant effect of age on the clearance of ultrafilterable platinum has been observed. In the adjuvant therapy colon cancer randomized clinical trial, [see Clinical Studies (14)] 723 patients treated with oxaliplatin for injection and infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin were <65 years and 400 patients were ≥65 years. A descriptive subgroup analysis demonstrated that the improvement in DFS for the oxaliplatin for injection combination arm compared to the infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin alone arm appeared to be maintained across genders. The effect of oxaliplatin for injection in patients ≥65 years of age was not conclusive. Insufficient subgroup sizes prevented analysis by race. Patients ≥ 65 years of age receiving the oxaliplatin for injection combination therapy experienced more grade 3 and 4 granulocytopenia than patients < 65 years of age (45% versus 39%).

In the previously untreated for advanced colorectal cancer randomized clinical trial [see Clinical Studies (14)] of oxaliplatin for injection, 160 patients treated with oxaliplatin for injection and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin were < 65 years and 99 patients were ≥65 years. The same efficacy improvements in response rate, time to tumor progression, and overall survival were observed in the ≥65 year old patients as in the overall study population. In the previously treated for advanced colorectal cancer randomized clinical trial [see Clinical Studies (14)] of oxaliplatin for injection, 95 patients treated with oxaliplatin for injection and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin were <65 years and 55 patients were ≥65 years. The rates of overall adverse reactions, including grade 3 and 4 events, were similar across and within arms in the different age groups in all studies. The incidence of diarrhea, dehydration, hypokalemia, leukopenia, fatigue and syncope were higher in patients ≥65 years old. No adjustment to starting dose was required in patients ≥65 years old.

8.6 Patients with Renal Impairment

The exposure (AUC) of unbound platinum in plasma ultrafiltrate tends to increase in renally impaired patients [see Pharmacokinetics (12.3)]. Caution and close monitoring should be exercised when oxaliplatin for injection is administered to patients with renal impairment. The starting oxaliplatin for injection dose does not need to be reduced in patients with mild (creatinine clearance = 50 to 80 mL/min) or moderate (creatinine clearance = 30 to 49 mL/min) renal impairment. However, the starting dose of oxaliplatin for injection should be reduced in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

10 OVERDOSAGE

There is no known antidote for oxaliplatin for injection overdose. In addition to thrombocytopenia, the anticipated complications of an oxaliplatin for injection overdose include hypersensitivity reaction, myelosuppression, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and neurotoxicity.

Several cases of overdoses have been reported with oxaliplatin for injection. Adverse reactions observed were Grade 4 thrombocytopenia (<25,000/mm³) without any bleeding, anemia, sensory neuropathy such as paresthesia, dysesthesia, laryngospasm and facial muscle spasms, gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, flatulence, abdomen enlarged and Grade 4 intestinal obstruction, Grade 4 dehydration, dyspnea, wheezing, chest pain, respiratory failure, severe bradycardia and death.

Patients suspected of receiving an overdose should be monitored, and supportive treatment should be administered. The maximum dose of oxaliplatin that has been administered in a single infusion is 825 mg.

11 DESCRIPTION

Oxaliplatin for injection, USP is an antineoplastic agent with the molecular formula C₈H₁₄N₂O₄Pt and the chemical name of cis-[(1 R,2 R)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine-N,N’] [oxalato(2-)-O,O’] platinum. Oxaliplatin is an organoplatinum complex in which the platinum atom is complexed with 1,2-diaminocyclohexane(DACH) and with an oxalate ligand as a leaving group.

The molecular weight is 397.3. Oxaliplatin is slightly soluble in water at 6 mg/mL, very slightly soluble in methanol, and practically insoluble in ethanol and acetone.

Oxaliplatin for injection, USP is supplied in vials containing 50 mg or 100 mg of oxaliplatin, USP as a sterile, preservative-free lyophilized powder for reconstitution. Lactose monohydrate is present as an inactive ingredient at 450 mg and 900 mg in the 50 mg and 100 mg dosage strengths, respectively.

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Oxaliplatin undergoes nonenzymatic conversion in physiologic solutions to active derivatives via displacement of the labile oxalate ligand. Several transient reactive species are formed, including monoaquo and diaquo DACH platinum, which covalently bind with macromolecules. Both inter- and intrastrand Pt-DNA crosslinks are formed. Crosslinks are formed between the N7 positions of two adjacent guanines (GG), adjacent adenine-guanines (AG), and guanines separated by an intervening nucleotide (GNG). These crosslinks inhibit DNA replication and transcription. Cytotoxicity is cell-cycle nonspecific. In vivo studies have shown antitumor activity of oxaliplatin against colon carcinoma. In combination with 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin exhibits in vitro and in vivo antiproliferative activity greater than either compound alone in several tumor models [HT29 (colon), GR (mammary), and L1210 (leukemia)].

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

The reactive oxaliplatin derivatives are present as a fraction of the unbound platinum in plasma ultrafiltrate. The decline of ultrafilterable platinum levels following oxaliplatin administration is triphasic, characterized by two relatively short distribution phases (t_1/2α; 0.43 hours and t_1/2β; 16.8 hours) and a long terminal elimination phase (t_1/2γ; 391 hours). Pharmacokinetic parameters obtained after a single 2-hour intravenous infusion of oxaliplatin for injection at a dose of 85 mg/m² expressed as ultrafilterable platinum were C_max of 0.814 mcg/mL and volume of distribution of 440 L. Interpatient and intrapatient variability in ultrafilterable platinum exposure (AUC_0-48hr) assessed over 3 cycles was moderate to low (23% and 6%, respectively). A pharmacodynamic relationship between platinum ultrafiltrate levels and clinical safety and effectiveness has not been established.

Distribution

At the end of a 2-hour infusion of oxaliplatin for injection, approximately 15% of the administered platinum is present in the systemic circulation. The remaining 85% is rapidly distributed into tissues or eliminated in the urine. In patients, plasma protein binding of platinum is irreversible and is greater than 90%. The main binding proteins are albumin and gamma-globulins. Platinum also binds irreversibly and accumulates (approximately 2-fold) in erythrocytes, where it appears to have no relevant activity. No platinum accumulation was observed in plasma ultrafiltrate following 85 mg/m² every two weeks.

Metabolism

Oxaliplatin undergoes rapid and extensive nonenzymatic biotransformation. There is no evidence of cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism in vitro.

Up to 17 platinum-containing derivatives have been observed in plasma ultrafiltrate samples from patients, including several cytotoxic species (monochloro DACH platinum, dichloro DACH platinum, and monoaquo and diaquo DACH platinum) and a number of noncytotoxic, conjugated species.

Elimination

The major route of platinum elimination is renal excretion. At five days after a single 2-hour infusion of oxaliplatin for injection, urinary elimination accounted for about 54% of the platinum eliminated, with fecal excretion accounting for only about 2%. Platinum was cleared from plasma at a rate (10 to 17 L/h) that was similar to or exceeded the average human glomerular filtration rate (GFR; 7.5 L/h). There was no significant effect of gender on the clearance of ultrafilterable platinum. The renal clearance of ultrafilterable platinum is significantly correlated with GFR.

Pharmacokinetics in Special Populations

Pediatric

[See Use In Specific Patient Populations (8.4)].

Renal Impairment

A study was conducted in 38 patients with advanced GI cancer and varying degrees of renal impairment. Patients in the normal (creatinine clearance (CrCL) > 80 mL/min, N = 11), mild (CrCL = 50 to 80 mL/min, N = 13), and moderate (CrCL = 30 to 49 mL/min, N = 10) groups were treated with 85 mg/m² oxaliplatin for injection and those in the severe (CrCL < 30 mL/min, N = 4) group were treated with 65 mg/m² oxaliplatin for injection. The mean AUC of unbound platinum was 40%, 95%, and 342% higher in the mild, moderate, and severe groups, respectively, than in the normal group. Mean C_max of unbound platinum appeared to be similar among the normal, mild and moderate renal function groups, but was 38% higher in the severe group than in the normal group. Caution should be exercised in renally impaired patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)]. The starting dose of oxaliplatin for injection should be reduced in patients with severe renal impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Drug - Drug Interactions

No pharmacokinetic interaction between 85 mg/m² of oxaliplatin for injection and infusional 5-fluorouracil has been observed in patients treated every 2 weeks, but increases of 5-fluorouracil plasma concentrations by approximately 20% have been observed with doses of 130 mg/m² of oxaliplatin for injection administered every 3 weeks. In vitro, platinum was not displaced from plasma proteins by the following medications: erythromycin, salicylate, sodium valproate, granisetron, and paclitaxel. In vitro, oxaliplatin is not metabolized by, nor does it inhibit, human cytochrome P450 isoenzymes. No P450-mediated drug-drug interactions are therefore anticipated in patients. Since platinum-containing species are eliminated primarily through the kidney, clearance of these products may be decreased by coadministration of potentially nephrotoxic compounds, although this has not been specifically studied. 

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of oxaliplatin. Oxaliplatin was not mutagenic to bacteria (Ames test) but was mutagenic to mammalian cells in vitro (L5178Y mouse lymphoma assay). Oxaliplatin was clastogenic both in vitro (chromosome aberration in human lymphocytes) and in vivo (mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay).

In a fertility study, male rats were given oxaliplatin at 0, 0.5, 1, or 2 mg/kg/day for five days every 21 days for a total of three cycles prior to mating with females that received two cycles of oxaliplatin on the same schedule. A dose of 2 mg/kg/day (less than one-seventh the recommended human dose on a body surface area basis) did not affect pregnancy rate, but caused developmental mortality (increased early resorptions, decreased live fetuses, decreased live births) and delayed growth (decreased fetal weight).

Testicular damage, characterized by degeneration, hypoplasia, and atrophy, was observed in dogs administered oxaliplatin at 0.75 mg/kg/day x 5 days every 28 days for three cycles. A no effect level was not identified. This daily dose is approximately one-sixth of the recommended human dose on a body surface area basis.  

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

14.1 Combination Adjuvant Therapy with Oxaliplatin for Injection and Infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin in Patients with Stage II or III Colon Cancer

Data cut off for disease free survival 1 June 2006
* Disease-free survival at 5 years
**A hazard ratio of less than 1 favors Oxaliplatin for Injection + Infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin

In the overall and stage III colon cancer populations DFS was statistically significantly improved in the oxaliplatin for injection combination arm compared to infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin alone. However, a statistically significant improvement in DFS was not noted in Stage II patients.

*A hazard ratio of less than 1 favors Oxaliplatin for Injection + Infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin
Data cut off for overall survival 16 January 2007

14.2 Combination Therapy with Oxaliplatin for Injection and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin in Patients Previously Untreated for Advanced Colorectal Cancer

A North American, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled study was sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as an intergroup study led by the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG). The study had 7 arms at different times during its conduct, four of which were closed due to either changes in the standard of care, toxicity, or simplification. During the study, the control arm was changed to irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin. The results reported below compared the efficacy and safety of two experimental regimens, oxaliplatin for injection in combination with infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin and a combination of oxaliplatin for injection plus irinotecan, to an approved control regimen of irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin in 795 concurrently randomized patients previously untreated for locally advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer. After completion of enrollment, the dose of irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin was decreased due to toxicity. Patients had to be at least 18 years of age, have known locally advanced, locally recurrent, or metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma not curable by surgery or amenable to radiation therapy with curative intent, histologically proven colorectal adenocarcinoma, measurable or evaluable disease, with an ECOG performance status 0, 1, or 2. Patients had to have granulocyte count ≥ 1.5 x 10⁹/L, platelets ≥ 100 x 10⁹/L, hemoglobin ≥9 gm/dL, creatinine ≤ 1.5 x ULN, total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 mg/dL, AST ≤ 5 x ULN, and alkaline phosphatase ≤ 5 x ULN. Patients may have received adjuvant therapy for resected Stage II or III disease without recurrence within 12 months. The patients were stratified for ECOG performance status (0, 1 vs. 2), prior adjuvant chemotherapy (yes vs. no), prior immunotherapy (yes vs. no), and age (<65 vs. ≥65 years). Although no post study treatment was specified in the protocol, 65 to 72% of patients received additional post study chemotherapy after study treatment discontinuation on all arms. Fifty-eight percent of patients on the oxaliplatin for injection plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arm received an irinotecan-containing regimen and 23% of patients on the irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin arm received oxaliplatin-containing regimens. Oxaliplatin was not commercially available during the trial.

*Compared to irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (IFL) arm
**Based on all patients with measurable disease at baseline
The numbers in the response rate and TTP analysis are based on unblinded investigator assessment.
***A hazard ratio of less than 1 favors Oxaliplatin for Injection + Infusional 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin

14.3 Combination Therapy with Oxaliplatin for Injection and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin in Previously Treated Patients with Advanced Colorectal Cancer

A multicenter, open-label, randomized, three-arm controlled study was conducted in the US and Canada comparing the efficacy and safety of oxaliplatin for injection in combination with an infusional schedule of 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin to the same dose and schedule of 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin alone and to single agent oxaliplatin in patients with advanced colorectal cancer who had relapsed/progressed during or within 6 months of first-line therapy with bolus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin and irinotecan. The study was intended to be analyzed for response rate after 450 patients were enrolled. Survival will be subsequently assessed in all patients enrolled in the completed study. Accrual to this study is complete, with 821 patients enrolled. Patients in the study had to be at least 18 years of age, have unresectable, measurable, histologically proven colorectal adenocarcinoma, with a Karnofsky performance status >50%. Patients had to have SGOT(AST) and SGPT(ALT) ≤2x the institution’s upper limit of normal (ULN), unless liver metastases were present and documented at baseline by CT or MRI scan, in which case ≤5x ULN was permitted. Patients had to have alkaline phosphatase ≤2x the institution’s ULN, unless liver metastases were present and documented at baseline by CT or MRI scan, in which cases ≤5x ULN was permitted. Prior radiotherapy was permitted if it had been completed at least 3 weeks before randomization.

Patients entered into the study for evaluation of response must have had at least one unidimensional lesion measuring ≥20mm using conventional CT or MRI scans, or ≥10mm using a spiral CT scan. Tumor response and progression were assessed every 3 cycles (6 weeks) using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) until radiological documentation of progression or for 13 months following the first dose of study drug(s), whichever came first. Confirmed responses were based on two tumor assessments separated by at least 4 weeks.

The median number of cycles administered per patient was 6 for the oxaliplatin for injection and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin combination and 3 each for 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin alone and oxaliplatin for injection alone.

Of the 13 patients who had tumor response to the combination of oxaliplatin for injection and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, 5 were female and 8 were male, and responders included patients <65 years old and ≥65 years old. The small number of non-Caucasian participants made efficacy analyses in these populations uninterpretable.

15 REFERENCES

• NIOSH Alert: Preventing occupational exposures to antineoplastic and other hazardous drugs in healthcare settings. 2004. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2004-165.
• OSHA Technical Manual, TED 1-0.15A, Section VI: Chapter 2. Controlling Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Drugs. OSHA, 1999.  http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_vi/otm_vi_2.html
• American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. (2006) ASHP Guidelines on Handling Hazardous Drugs.
• Polovich, M., White, J. M., & Kelleher, L.O. (eds.) 2005. Chemotherapy and biotherapy guidelines and recommendations for practice (2nd. ed.) Pittsburgh, PA: Oncology Nursing Society.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

16.1 How Supplied

Oxaliplatin for Injection, USP is supplied in clear, glass, single-use vials with gray elastomeric stoppers and aluminum flip-off seals containing 50 mg or 100 mg of oxaliplatin as a sterile, preservative-free lyophilized powder for reconstitution. Lactose monohydrate is also present as an inactive ingredient.

NDC 47335-176-40: 50 mg single-use vial with grey flip-off seal individually packaged in a carton.

NDC 47335-178-40: 100 mg single-use vial with green flip-off seal individually packaged in a carton.

16.2 Storage

Store under normal lighting conditions at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

16.3 Handling and Disposal

As with other potentially toxic anticancer agents, care should be exercised in the handling and preparation of infusion solutions prepared from oxaliplatin for injection. The use of gloves is recommended. If a solution of oxaliplatin for injection contacts the skin, wash the skin immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. If oxaliplatin for injection contacts the mucous membranes, flush thoroughly with water.

Procedures for the handling and disposal of anticancer drugs should be considered. Several guidelines on the subject have been published [see References (15)]. There is no general agreement that all of the procedures recommended in the guidelines are necessary or appropriate.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

17.1 Information for Patients

Patients and patients’ caregivers should be informed of the expected side effects of oxaliplatin for injection, particularly its neurologic effects, both the acute, reversible effects and the persistent neurosensory toxicity. Patients should be informed that the acute neurosensory toxicity may be precipitated or exacerbated by exposure to cold or cold objects. Patients should be instructed to avoid cold drinks, use of ice, and should cover exposed skin prior to exposure to cold temperature or cold objects.

Patients must be adequately informed of the risk of low blood cell counts and instructed to contact their physician immediately should fever, particularly if associated with persistent diarrhea, or evidence of infection develop.

Patients should be instructed to contact their physician if persistent vomiting, diarrhea, signs of dehydration, cough or breathing difficulties occur, or signs of allergic reaction appear.

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. However oxaliplatin treatment resulting in an increase risk of dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and other neurologic symptoms that affect gait and balance may lead to a minor or moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

17.2 FDA-Approved Patient Labeling

See Patient Information provided separately.

PATIENT INFORMATION

OXALIPLATIN FOR INJECTION, USP
FOR INTRAVENOUS USE

• Serious allergic reactions. Oxaliplatin for injection can cause serious allergic reactions, including allergic reactions that may cause death. Oxaliplatin for injection is a platinum base medicine. Serious allergic reactions including death can occur in people who take oxaliplatin for injection and who have had previous allergic reactions to platinum medicines. Serious allergic reactions can happen within a few minutes of your infusion or any time during your treatment with oxaliplatin for injection.

• have trouble breathing.
• feel like your throat is closing up.

• rash
• flushed face
• hives
• itching
• swelling of your lips or tongue
• sudden cough
• dizziness or feel faint
• sweating
• chest pain

• stage III colon cancer after surgery to remove the tumor
• advanced colon or rectal cancer (colo-rectal cancer).

• have kidney problems
• have any other medical conditions
• have had any allergic reactions to any medicines
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Oxaliplatin for injection may harm your unborn child. You should avoid becoming pregnant while taking oxaliplatin for injection. Talk with your doctor about how to avoid pregnancy.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if oxaliplatin passes into your breast milk. You and your doctor should decide whether you will stop breastfeeding or not take oxaliplatin for injection.

• Your doctor will prescribe oxaliplatin for injection in an amount that is right for you.
• Your doctor will treat you with several medicines for your cancer.
• It is very important that you do exactly what your doctor and nurse have taught you to do.
• Some medicines may be given to you before oxaliplatin for injection to help prevent nausea and vomiting.
• Oxaliplatin for injection is given with 2 other chemotherapy medicines, leucovorin and 5-fluorouracil.
• Each treatment course is given to you over 2 days. You will receive oxaliplatin for injection on the first day only.
• There are usually 14 days between each chemotherapy treatment course.

• It is important for you to keep all appointments. Call your doctor if you must miss an appointment. There may be special instructions for you.
• Your doctor may change how often you get oxaliplatin for injection, how much you get, or how long the infusion will take.
• You and your doctor will discuss how many times you will get oxaliplatin for injection.

• Avoid cold temperatures and cold objects. Cover your skin if you must go outside in cold temperatures.
• Do not drink cold drinks or use ice cubes in drinks.
• Do not put ice or ice packs on your body.

• Serious allergic reactions. See “What is the most important information I should know about oxaliplatin for injection?”
• Nerve problems. Oxaliplatin for injection can affect how your nerves work and make you feel. Tell your doctor right away if you get any signs of nerve problems listed below:
  • Very sensitive to cold temperatures and cold objects
  • Trouble breathing, swallowing, or saying words, jaw tightness, odd feelings in your tongue, or chest pressure
  • Pain, tingling, burning (pins and needles, numb feeling) in your hands, feet, or around your mouth or throat, which may cause problems walking or performing activities of daily living.
• Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy (RPLS). RPLS is a rare condition that affects the brain. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of the following signs and symptoms of RPLS:
  • headache
  • confusion or a change in the way you think
  • seizures
  • vision problems, such as blurriness or vision loss. You should not drive, operate heavy machines, or engage in dangerous activities if you have vision problems while receiving oxaliplatin for injection.

• Lung problems (interstitial fibrosis). Tell your doctor right away if you get a dry cough and have trouble breathing (shortness of breath) before your next treatment. These may be signs of a serious lung disease.
• Liver problems (hepatotoxicity). Your doctor will do blood tests to check your liver.
• Harm to an unborn baby. Oxaliplatin for injection may cause harm to your unborn baby. See “What should I tell my doctor before treatment with oxaliplatin for injection?”

• Decreased blood counts: Oxaliplatin for injection can cause a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cells important in fighting in bacterial infections), red blood cells (blood cells that carry oxygen to the tissues), and platelets (important for clotting and to control bleeding).
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Infection Call your doctor right away if you get any of the following signs of infection:
  • Fever (temperature of 100.5° F or greater)
  • Cough that brings up mucus
  • Chills or shivering
  • Burning or pain on urination
  • Pain on swallowing
  • Redness or swelling at intravenous site
  • Sore throat
• Bleeding or bruising. Tell your doctor about any signs or symptoms of bleeding or bruising.
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Mouth sores
• Stomach pain
• Decreased appetite
• Tiredness
• Injection site reactions. Reactions may include redness, swelling, pain, tissue damage at the site of injection.
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Dehydration (too much water loss). Call you doctor if you have signs of dehydration including:
  • tiredness
  • thirst
  • dry mouth
  • lightheadedness (dizziness)
  • decreased urination 

• Cover yourself with a blanket while you are getting your oxaliplatin for injection infusion.
• Do not breathe deeply when exposed to cold air.
• Wear warm clothing in cold weather at all times. Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or a pull-down cap (ski cap) to warm the air that goes to your lungs.
• Wear gloves when taking things from the freezer or refrigerator.
• Drink fluids warm or at room temperature.
• Always drink through a straw.
• Do not use ice chips if you have nausea or mouth sores. Ask your healthcare provider or doctor about what you can use.
• Be aware that most metals are cold to touch, especially in the winter. These include your car door and mailbox. Wear gloves to touch cold objects.
• Do not run the air-conditioning at high levels in the house or in the car in hot weather.
• If your body gets cold, warm-up the affected part. If your hands get cold, wash them with warm water.
• Always let your healthcare provider or doctor know before your next treatment how well you did since your last visit.

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL 50 mg label

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL 50 mg carton

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL 100 mg label

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL 100 mg carton