Oxitan Vail belongs to the group of medicines called platinum-containing antineoplastic agents used alone or in combination with other anti-cancer medicines to treat cancer of the large bowel/intestine (advanced colon or colorectal cancer).

Oxitan Vail contains Oxaliplatin, which works by killing the cancer cells. Thereby, it helps treat cancer.

In some cases, Oxitan Vail may cause side effects such as mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and headache. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. Do not be reluctant to talk with your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.

Do not use Oxitan Vail if you are breastfeeding. Consult a doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment with Oxitan Vail. This medicine is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.

Oxitan Vail contains Oxaliplatin, which belongs to the group of medicines called platinum-containing antineoplastic agents used to treat stage III colon cancer after complete removal of the primary tumour and metastatic cancer of the colon and rectum. It is used in combination with other anti-cancer medicines, such as 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid. Oxitan Vail works by killing the cancer cells. Thereby, it helps treat cancer. Oxitan Vail may also be used with other medicines to prevent colon cancer from spreading in patients who have had surgery to remove the tumour.

• Mild nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Fatigue
• Back pain
• Stomach pain

Do not use Oxitan Vail if you are allergic to any of its components, if you are breastfeeding, have a low blood cell count, have severe kidney problems, tingling and numbness in the fingers/toes, and have difficulty performing fragile tasks, such as buttoning clothes. Inform the doctor if you ever suffered an allergic reaction to platinum-containing medicines, have mild/moderate kidney problems, liver problems or abnormal liver function tests during therapy, or heart disorders like prolongation of the QT interval (abnormal electrical signal), an irregular heartbeat, or a family history of heart problems. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction (rash, itching, hives, reddening of the skin, hoarseness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, feeling as if your throat is closing, dizziness, swelling of the lips and tongue, lightheadedness, or fainting), unpleasant sensation in the throat, rhabdomyolysis (muscle pain and swelling), nerve problems (sensitivity to cold temperature or cold objects, pain, tingling or burning sensation), Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (headache, confusion, seizures, vision problems), myelosuppression (chills or shivering, burning or pain on urination, pain on swallowing, sore throat, cough with mucus, persistent diarrhoea), lung problems (shortness of breath, wheezing, cough), or bleeding problems (vomit that looks like coffee grounds or bloody vomit, pink or brown urine, weakness, dizziness, changes in speech, confusion, unexplained bleeding or dark-coloured/tarry stools).

Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking medicines that prolong QT interval (antiarrhythmic agents), nephrotoxic products, or anti-coagulants.

Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have an infection, lung, liver or kidney problems, bleeding problems, heart problems (long QT syndrome, irregular/slow heartbeat), or changes in electrolyte levels.

• Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Include vegetables and fruits in your diet.
• Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugar.
• Get optimal sleep; rest well.
• Drink enough water and eat fibre-rich foods, vegetables and fruits.

• Women must use reliable contraception during treatment and for nine months after receiving the last dose.
• Male patients are advised not to father a child during treatment and for six months after the last dose. Use effective contraception during this time.
• If you are due to undergo any surgery, including dental surgery, inform the doctor/dentist that you are on treatment with Oxitan Vail.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything that is colder than room temperature for five days after receiving each dose of Oxitan Vail. To reduce side effects caused by cold temperature-cover yourself with a blanket while getting treatment with Oxitan Vail, wear warm clothing in cold weather at all times, cover your mouth and nose with a scarf and wear gloves whilst touching cold objects. Drink fluid at room/warm temperature and always drink through a straw. Avoid using ice and AC, touching cold metals, and breathing deeply when exposed to cold air.

Colon and rectal cancer: It is a cancer of the colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer is the growth of cells that form in the lower end of the digestive tract. Most of these cancers begin as polyps (non-cancerous growths). Symptoms may include abdominal discomfort, blood in the stool, and changes in bowel habits like constipation or diarrhoea.