Cisplatin

Brand Names

Cisplatin, Platinol (Restricted Access), Platinol, Platinol-AQ

What is Cisplatin

Cisplatin is a prescription chemotherapy medicine that belongs to a class of medications known as platinum-containing compounds. It works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells. This medicine is prescribed to treat ovarian cancer, testicular cancer and bladder cancer.

Side effects of Cisplatin

Cisplatin may cause the following side effects:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• hair loss
• loss in ability to taste food
• hiccups
• dry mouth, dark urine, decreased sweating, dry skin
• swelling, pain, redness or burning at the injection site
• pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
• muscle cramps
• difficulty walking
• feeling of an electric-like shock when you bend your neck forward
• seizures
• sudden changes in vision, including color vision
• loss of vision
• eye pain
• chest pain or pressure
• fever, sore throat, chills or other signs of infection
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• black and tarry stools
• red blood in stools
• bloody vomit
• vomited material that looks like coffee grounds

Indication

Cisplatin is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat the following conditions:

• cancer of the testicles that has not improved or that has worsened after treatment with other medications or radiation therapy
• cancer of the ovaries (cancer that begins in the female reproductive organs where eggs are formed) that has not improved or that has worsened after treatment with other medications or radiation therapy
• bladder cancer that cannot be treated with surgery or radiation therapy alone

Precautions

It is obligatory to inform your doctor before taking cisplatin if you have:

• Any infection
• A hearing impairment
• Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
• Any bleeding
• Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes or preservatives
• Are breastfeeding, pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
• Are taking any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements

Dosage forms

Cisplatin dose

Your dose of cisplatin will be determined by your doctor, based on your body surface area (which is calculated using your height and weight). Your dosage amount will also depend on your particular chemotherapy regimen, as well as the particular type of cancer being treated. Also, your dosage may need to be reduced (or given less frequently) if you develop dangerous or intolerable cisplatin side effects.