Eloxatin (oxaliplatin injection)

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

WARNING The drug substance Oxaliplatin is mutagenic, cytotoxic, neurotoxic and fetotoxic. The drug substance is a possible carcinogen and a severe eye irritant. NIOSH HAZARDOUS DRUG ALERT Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin injection) is an antineoplastic agent and is considered a Hazardous Drug according to the NIOSH Alert: Preventing Occupational Exposures to Antineoplastic and Other Hazardous Drugs in Health Care Settings. Health care workers who prepare or administer hazardous drugs or who work in areas where these drugs are used should follow specific handling guidelines in order to prevent exposure to these agents in the air or on work surfaces, clothing, medical equipment, or patient urine or feces. See Section 8 for specific handling guidance from the NIOSH Alert for use in the health care setting. Signs and Symptoms of Overexposure Anticipated signs of overexposure include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, peripheral neurotoxicity (with cold sensitivity and rare laryngeal dysesthesias, sensation of difficulty with breathing or swallowing), and possible myelosuppression (low blood counts). Mucositis (sore mouth, or soreness of other mucous membranes) and transient elevation of liver enzymes have been observed. As with other platinum compounds allergic reactions have been observed. In therapeutic use very rare anaphylactoid reactions (severe, possibly life-threatening allergic reactions) have been observed.