Oxaliplatin and Capecitabine side effects ( Severe chest pains) advice

FormerMember over 5 years ago

6 replies
125 subscribers
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Hi,

Following surgery for bowel cancer i was advised to go on a 3 month course of Oxaliplatin taken every 3 weeks plus capecitabine tablets for the first 2 weeks following the infusion.

Had the first course of Oxaliplatin and when i got home later that evening took the first of the capecitabine after dinner.

About 3 hours later i was woken with severe chest and abdominal pains which lasted about 5 minutes. We rang the 24/7 oncology help number and were advised to ring 999. By then the pain had passed so we agreed if it occurred again we would call 999. The same occurred about 2 hours later so called 999 and a paramedic checked me over with an ECG monitor. Before he left i had another occurrence so i was taken to A&E. They found so problems with my heart so was advised to talk to Oncology. They advised me to stop the treatment and take no further Capecitabine . The chest pains though continued although less extreme for a further 6 days .

I have now been told i will be starting a course of Raltitrexed next week and possibly reintroduce the Oxaliplatin 3 weeks later in conjunction with the Raltitrexed.

Has anyone had a similar reaction to the Oxaliplatin infusion or in fact the Capecitabine tablets as my consultant i think suspects the tablets as being the issue rather than the IV?

I do find it hard to believe that 1 dose of the Capecitabine would have such a severe effect that lasts for nearly a week and i am somewhat concerned should i go back on the Oxaliplatin i will have to endure a week of sharp chest pains again.

Would appreciate any reassurance or information that other people have had regarding this drug or combination of drugs.

Have also posted on Chemotherapy as well.

court over 5 years ago

Hi ,

You must have had quite a fright with that experience but it has been reported before . I am just going to tag in process as her husband I am sure had a very similar experience and is a better position to support you from experience.

Such a frightening thing to happen on your first cycle.
take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

process over 5 years ago

Hi and thank you to Court for linking me to your post, it is indeed quite a frightening and strange experience the same thing happened to my husband although he was just in capecitabine, he was just about week in when he began to feel unwell chest pains and stomach cramps that was the Friday didn’t last long we rang help line was told to go to GP we did he said didn’t think it was anything but go to AE if happened again the next morning pains in chest again my husband was on tabs morning and night, so we went to hospital pains had subsided, he had ecg xrays bloods and was kept in AE for most of day for observation and bloods repeated and told all ok, went home next day pains again but because been told all ok carries on with meds on Monday even more stomach cramps etc on Tue saw oncologist told her story immediately she stopped capecitabine she said my husband was having vasospasm of the heart she said it can’t be detected unless it happens at the exact same time as being monitored stomach cramps also sign of toxic effect he had ecg over serval days as he still for pains in chest it was several days before it stopped and then he has never had them since, she said if he was to have chemo again it would be the Med you have been told, please try not to worry it appears capecitabine is then the culprit it’s a rare But no about side effect for some people.

good luck with the rest of your treatment

process

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to process

Was your husband on the oxaliplatin iv drip before he had the capecitabine ?

Think my Oncologist suspects the capecitabine although dont want to go through that again if at all possible.Seems amazing that one dose of tablets would have that effect for up o a week.

Looks like they want to try the Raltitrexed first and then reintroduce oxaliplatin during cycle 2 and if all well and then carry on as before. Not too keen on side effects of the oxaliplatin with the tingly fingers plus pins and needles and the effect going out in the cold but better safe than sorry.

Thanks for you reassurance though.

process over 5 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi no, he was only on capecitabine he had not had any other chemo just capecitabine as I said it’s know side effect of capecitabine but rare.

your oncologist like ours did right thing taking you off, hundreds on capecitabine don’t get that problem!

all the best any questions just ask. Cheers

process over 5 years ago in reply to process

I didn’t say but they left my hubby without chemo and he stayed just having radiotherapy but oncologist said in future if needed he would Be on beRaltitrexed

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to process

Thanks for that.

Got an appointment in Cambridge tomorrow with Oncologist to discuss the next plan.

Letter i received states

We discussed options going forwards include 6 months Raltitrexed monotherapy, 3 months combination raltitrexed/oxaliplatin or no adjuvant chemotherapy. Mr xxxx would prefer to continue with adjuvant chemotherapy. Raltitrexed is an alternative to 5FU/capecitabine which can be used in the setting of 5FU cardiac toxicity, and given as an infusion every 3 weeks. We discussed toxicities including infection/neutropenia, diarrhoea, mucositis and liver toxicity we have supplied a patient information leaflet.

We agreed plan to switch to raltitrexed monotherapy initially, and consider re-introducing oxaliplatin from Cycle 2 if well. We will start a prophylactic PPI with chemotherapy in case of gastritis. We look forwards to seeing him next week to review progress and consent for Raltitrexed.

Not sure i understand yet what is being offered so will ask for an explanation and pros and cons of each.