Occitan

Oxitan, the second generic name of which is Oxaliplatin, is a new antitumor drug. Due to its toxic effect on cancer cells, Oxitan suppresses their proliferation in human tissues. 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. Oxitan belongs to the group of antineoplastic agents, alkaloids of plant origin. Oxitan is based on platinum compounds.

Indications Occitan

Oxitan, or Oxaliplatin, is an alkylating, cytostatic, antitumor drug that is part of cancer therapy. The main indications for the use of Oxitan are combination therapy (with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin) for metastatic colorectal cancer. Oxitan is also used for disseminated colorectal cancer as the main treatment, or in combination therapy with fluorouracil and calcium folinate. Another indication for the use of Oxitan is the second line of therapy for ovarian cancer in women. Oxitan is indicated for the treatment of malignant tumors of the ovaries, bladder, cervix, penis, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Oxitan is used for tumors 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 infusions, so its only form of release is a concentrate for their preparation, a transparent colorless liquid, or a white lyophilized powder for solution. The concentrate is available in 25 and 50 mg vials, and the powder is in 50 and 100 g packages. The active substance of Oxitan is oxaliplatin, the auxiliary in the powder is lactose monohydrate, in the solution is hydrochloric acid, in the ratios appropriate for the size of the package. Oxitan is toxic, so it requires special measures for use and storage.

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Pharmacodynamics

Oskitan is a new antitumor cytotoxic drug, the medicinal substance of which is a platinum derivative. The pharmacodynamics of Oxitan have not been fully studied, but in general it is believed that it penetrates DNA compounds, forming inter- and intra-strand bonds there. 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 drug is administered, its pharmacokinetics begins. Oxitane is distributed mainly in erythrocytes, without concentrating in the blood plasma. Two hours after the 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 drug are the kidneys, prostate gland, and liver. The half-life of the drug is very long, on the fifth day after the infusion, only about 54% of the Oxitane dose is excreted in the urine and 3% in the feces. Platinum compounds can be detected in the liver and some tissues even 6 months after a person has undergone therapy with the drug, and this should be studied during the rehabilitation period.

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Dosing and administration

The antitumor drug Oxitan is available by prescription and therapy is carried out under constant supervision of the attending physician. The method of using Oxitan is intravenous infusions. Doses of the drug are determined individually, depending on the degree of cancer development, individual characteristics of the patient's body, and the stage of the disease. Dilution of the powder or solution is also carried out by medical workers, since the toxicity of Oxitan requires special precautions for its use.

Use Occitan during pregnancy

The medicinal antitumor Oxitan is highly toxic, therefore the use of Oxitan 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 undergone a course of therapy with the drug for 6 months must carefully choose contraceptives, since platinum compounds can be found in the human body even after such a period of time, and pregnancy during this period is extremely undesirable in order to avoid the development of various fetal pathologies. Also, Oxitan is not used during lactation.

Contraindications

The use is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance of the patient to its active substance oxaliplatin or other components. Oxitan therapy is prohibited for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and persons under 18 years of age. Peripheral sensory neuropathy and severe renal impairment in patients are also contraindications to the use of Oxitan. Do not perform therapy for myelosuppression before the initial course of treatment. Oxitan is available strictly by prescription.

Side effects Occitan

The drug is used under constant medical supervision. The spectrum of possible side effects of Oxitan is quite large: these are convulsions, problems with coordination of movements, various neurological disorders; bronchospasms and other problems of the larynx; disorders of the visual and auditory systems, up to loss of vision 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 Oxampin include increased adverse reactions of the body to Oxitan: from severe rash and urticaria to disorders of the visual, auditory, cardiovascular, respiratory and other systems. Treatment for an overdose of Oxitan is symptomatic. In severe cases, there may be a need for an operation to transfuse blood components. Monitoring of all organs and systems of the body should be carried out throughout the entire period of treatment with Oxitan, as well as during rehabilitation.

Interactions with other drugs

Any combination of Oxitan with other drugs should only be done on the advice and under the supervision of a physician experienced in treating tumors. It is strictly forbidden to mix Oxitan with alkaline solutions and drugs with an alkaline reaction, with any sodium chloride solutions. In order to avoid negative consequences of Oxitan interaction with other drugs, it is not allowed to use one infusion system for any combinations. Equipment for intravenous administration of the drug should not contain aluminum.

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Storage conditions

The antitumor drug Oxitan is toxic. In powder or solution form, it does not require special storage conditions: room temperature, no direct sunlight. Of course, there should be no talk of the possibility for children to get their hands on the box with the drug anywhere. Oxitan cannot be frozen. The solution prepared by specially trained medical personnel should be used immediately for infusion. The shelf life of the solution is 6 hours at room temperature, or 24 hours in the refrigerator.

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Special instructions

Occitane should be used only in a day hospital setting, under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the treatment of cancer. All medical personnel working with the drug must wear protective gowns, gloves, and masks. Pregnant women among medical personnel are not allowed to work with Occitane. In order to use Occitane in combination with other medicinal solutions, a Y-system is required, allowing the solutions to be mixed immediately before administration. The attending physician must monitor all systems and organs of the patient in order to take immediate action in case of adverse reactions.

Shelf life

The shelf life of the powder or solution is 2 years from the date of manufacture. It is strictly forbidden to use Oxitan after this time, this can lead to serious consequences. The finished solution is stored for 6 hours under normal conditions, or 24 hours in the refrigerator. Oxitan is highly toxic, and therefore its storage conditions, specifics of use and terms must be observed very strictly.