Oxaliplatin: Patient Advice Leaflet
You will be having the chemotherapy drug Oxaliplatin as part of your treatment regime.
This leaflet explains the potential side effects associated with Oxaliplatin therapy and how to manage them at home and when to seek further advice.
Oxaliplatin and Laryngospasm
Oxaliplatin can cause a spasm in the throat around the voice box (larynx).
This can happen during the treatment or immediately after the infusion and/or for a few days afterwards. If this happens to you:
- Sip on warm drinks
- You can apply a warm compress to your neck area
- Remember to wrap up warm covering your nose and mouth in cold weather
- Bring a travel mug to your treatment sessions – we can fill it with a hot drink on discharge.
Oxaliplatin and cold sensitivity
You may become more sensitive to the cold during the treatment and for a few days afterwards.
Avoid eating and drinking cold food/drinks during your treatment and for 24 – 48 hours afterwards. Remember to wrap up warm in cold weather – a scarf to cover your nose and mouth and gloves for your hands.
Oxaliplatin and arm pain
The infusion of Oxaliplatin may cause your arm to become achy during the treatment and continue to feel sore afterwards.
If this happens to you:
- Inform your nurse, we can use heat pads for your comfort
- Continue to use heat pads at home
- If the discomfort continues or you notice and redness or swelling, you must call the Acute Oncology Helpline.
Contact numbers
We hope that you have found this information useful. If you have any questions or are worried about anything, please speak to the following Dorset County Hospital staff:
Fortuneswell Chemotherapy Unit: 01305 254359
For out of hours please contact the Acute Oncology Helpline: 01305 255995
About this leaflet
Author: Gemma Hannaford, Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment Clinical Nurse Specialist
Written: January 2026
Approved: March 2026
Review date: March 2029
Edition: v2