Uses
Cisplatin is used to treat various types of cancer. It is a chemotherapy drug that contains platinum. It is used to slow or stop cancer cell growth.
How To Use
This medication is usually given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment.
During treatment with this medication, it is important that you take in more fluids than usual and pass urine frequently to help avoid kidney side effects. Intravenous fluids should be given with this medication. Also, ask your doctor how much fluid you should drink and follow these instructions carefully.
If this medication comes into contact with your skin, wash your skin right away and completely with soap and water.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Loss of taste, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. Your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- pain/burning/redness at the injection site
- muscle cramps/spasms/weakness
- ringing in the ears
- hearing loss
- joint pain
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion)
- headache
- blood in urine
- painful/difficult urination
- lower back/side pain
Vision changes (such as blurred vision, vision loss, seeing colors differently) may occur with cisplatin use. Normal vision usually returns after the end of treatment. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details and report this side effect right away if it occurs.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:
- chest pain
- pain/redness/swelling of arms or legs
- seizures
Rarely, this medication may increase the risk of getting other cancers (such as leukemia). Consult your doctor for more details.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using cisplatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to carboplatin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney disease
- decreased bone marrow function/blood cell disorders (such as anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)
- hearing problems
- mineral imbalance (low blood levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphate)
- numbness/tingling of arms/legs
- kidney stones
- gout
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.
Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured.
Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially kidney problems, nerve problems (numbness/tingling of arms/legs), and decreased bone marrow function.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially hearing loss.
This medication can affect fertility in both males and females. Ask your doctor for more details.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using cisplatin. Cisplatin may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before you start this medication. Women using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 14 months after the last dose. Men using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 11 months after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
This drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
- aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as gentamicin, neomycin)
- amphotericin B
- anti-seizure medications (such as phenytoin)
- certain "water pills" (loop diuretics such as furosemide, bumetanide)
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function, complete blood count, blood mineral levels, hearing tests) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
