Oxitane

Oxitane, the second non-proprietary name of which Oxaliplatinum, is a new antitumoral drug. Due to its toxic effect on cancer cells, Oxitane suppresses their reproduction in the tissues of the human body. It is part of the therapy of malignant tumors, and is taken intravenously in a day hospital, only under the supervision of an experienced doctor. Oxitane belongs to the group of antineoplastic agents, vegetable alkaloids. At the base of the oxytane is a compound of platinum. 

Indications Oxitane

Oxytane, or Oxaliplatin - is an alkylating, cytostatic, antitumor drug that is part of cancer therapy. The main indications for the use of Oxitane are combined (together with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin) therapy of metastatic colorectal cancer. Oxytane is also used in disseminated colorectal cancer as the main treatment, or in complex therapy with fluorouracil and calcium folinate. Another indication for the use of Oskitan is the second line of therapy for ovarian cancer in women. Oxytane is indicated for the treatment of malignant tumors on the ovaries, bladder, cervix, penis, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Oxytane is used for tumors that are resistant to cisplatin. The mechanism of action of the drug is not fully known, its effectiveness does not depend on the cell cycle.

Release form

Oskitan is intended for intravenous infusion, so the only form of release is concentrate for their preparation, a clear, colorless liquid, or a white lyophilized powder for the solution. The concentrate is produced in 25 and 50 mg bottles, and the powder in packs of 50 and 100 g. The active substance of Oxitane is oxaliplatin, an auxiliary in powder is lactose monohydrate, in solution - hydrochloric acid, in the proportions appropriate for the package size. Oxytane is toxic, therefore requires special measures of use and storage.

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Pharmacodynamics

Oskitan is a new antitumor cytotoxic drug whose drug substance is a derivative of platinum. Pharmacodynamics Oxitane is not fully understood, but in general terms it is believed that it penetrates into the DNA-compound, it forms inter-and intracerebral bonds. This suppresses the further development of malignant cells in the organs and tissues of the human body. In monotherapy of metastatic colorectal cancer, the effectiveness of the drug is 12-25%, in combination with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin - up to 40-45%.

Pharmacokinetics

Immediately after the administration of the drug, its pharmacokinetics begins. Oxitane is distributed mainly in erythrocytes, while not concentrating in the blood plasma. 2 hours after the introduction of infusion into the body, the concentration of the drug in the tissues is 85%, and 15% remains in the blood. The main places of accumulation of the medicine are the kidneys, the prostate gland, the liver. The half-life of the drug is very long, on the fifth day after the infusion, only about 54% of the dose of Oxitane is excreted in the urine and 3% - with feces. Platinum compounds can be found in the liver and some tissues as early as 6 months after the person undergoes therapy with the drug, and this should be learned during the rehabilitation period.

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Dosing and administration

The antitumor drug Oxitane is produced according to the prescription and the therapy is performed under the constant supervision of the attending physician. The method of application of Oxitane is intravenously in the form of infusions. Doses of medication are set individually, depending on the degree of cancer development, the individual characteristics of the patient's body, the stage of the disease. Dilution of the powder or solution is also carried out by medical personnel, since the toxicity of Oxitane requires special precautions for its use. 

Use Oxitane during pregnancy

Drug antitumour Oxitane is highly toxic, therefore the use of Oxitane during pregnancy is strictly prohibited, the risk of severe toxic effects on the fetus through the woman's body is very high. Moreover, those people who have received a course of drug therapy for 6 months need to carefully choose contraceptives, since platinum compounds in the human body can be found even after such a period of time, and pregnancy during this period is extremely undesirable in order to avoid the development of various pathologies of the fetus. Oxytane is also not used during lactation.

Contraindications

The use is contraindicated in case of individual patient intolerance to its active substance oxaliplatinum or other components. Oxitane therapy is forbidden for pregnant women, nursing mothers, as well as for persons who have not reached the age of 18. Peripheral sensory neuropathy and severe impairment of kidney function in patients are also contraindications to the use of Oxitane. Do not produce therapy with myelosuppression before the initial course of treatment. Oxitane is produced strictly by prescription.

Side effects Oxitane

The use of the medicine occurs under the constant supervision of the doctor. The spectrum of possible side effects of Oxitane is quite large: it is convulsions, problems with coordination of movements, various neurological disorders; bronchospasm and other problems of the laryngeal cavity; disturbance of the visual and auditory systems, including loss of sight or hearing, acute intestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea); reactions from the cardiovascular system: tachycardia, anemia, dysarthria, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, etc.

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Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose of Oxampamine is an increase in adverse reactions of the body to Oxitane: from severe rash and urticaria to disturbances in the visual, auditory, cardiovascular, respiratory and other systems. Treatment with an overdose of Oxitane occurs symptomatically. In severe cases, there may be a need for an operation for transfusion of blood components. Observation of all organs and systems of the body should be carried out during the entire period of treatment with Oxitane, as well as during rehabilitation.

Interactions with other drugs

Any combination of Oxytane with other medicines should only occur according to the recommendations and under the supervision of a physician with experience in the treatment of tumors. It is strictly forbidden to mix Oxitane with alkaline solutions and preparations with alkaline reaction, with any solutions of sodium chloride. In order to avoid the negative consequences of Oxytane interaction with other drugs, one infusion system for any combination is not allowed. Equipment for the introduction of drugs into the vein should not contain aluminum.

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Storage conditions

The antitumor drug Oxytane is toxic. In the form of a powder or a solution, it does not require special storage conditions: room temperature, no direct sunlight. Of course, there should be no question of the possibility for children's hands to get a box with a drug somewhere. Oxitane should not be frozen. The solution prepared by specially trained medical personnel should be immediately used for infusion. Shelf life of the solution is 6 hours at room temperature, or a day in the refrigerator.

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Special instructions

Usage Oxitane should be performed only in a day hospital, under the supervision of a qualified physician with experience in the treatment of cancer. All medical personnel working with the drug should wear protective gowns, gloves, and masks. Pregnant women among medical personnel are not allowed to work with Oxitane. In order to use Oxitane in combination with other medicinal solutions, a Y-system is necessary, which allows mixing the solutions immediately before administration. The attending physician should observe all the systems and organs of the patient, so that in case of adverse reactions, immediately take action.

Shelf life

Shelf life of the powder or solution is 2 years from the date of release. Use Oxitane after this time is strictly prohibited, it can lead to serious consequences. The finished solution is stored for 6 hours under normal conditions, or 24 hours in the refrigerator. Oxytane is highly toxic, and therefore its storage conditions, application specifics and timing should be observed very clearly.