Cisplatin injection must be given in a hospital or medical facility under the supervision of a doctor who is experienced in giving chemotherapy medications for cancer.
Cisplatin may cause serious kidney problems. Kidney problems may occur more often in older people. Your doctor will order laboratory tests before and during your treatment to see if your kidneys are affected by this medication. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), or tobramycin (Tobi, Nebcin). If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: decreased urination; swelling of the face, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; or unusual tiredness or weakness.
Cisplatin may cause serious hearing problems, especially in children. Hearing loss may be permanent in some cases. Your doctor will order tests to monitor your hearing before and during your treatment. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have ever had radiation therapy to your head. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), or tobramycin (Tobi, Nebcin). If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or dizziness.
Cisplatin may cause severe allergic reactions, especially if you have received more than one dose of cisplatin injection. If you experience an allergic reaction to cisplatin injection, it may begin within a few minutes after your infusion starts, and you may experience the following symptoms: hives; skin rash; itching; reddening of the skin; difficulty breathing or swallowing; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips; dizziness; faintness; or fast heartbeat. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain tests before, during, and after your treatment to check your body's response to cisplatin. Your doctor may need to stop or delay your treatment if you experience certain side effects.
Cisplatin is used combination with other medications to treat cancer of the testicles that has not improved or that has worsened after treatment with other medications or radiation therapy. Cisplatin is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat 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. Cisplatin is also used alone or in combination with other medications to treat bladder cancer that can not be treated with surgery or radiation therapy alone. Cisplatin is in a class of medications known as platinum-containing compounds. It works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells.
Cisplatin injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected over 6 to 8 hours intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. It is usually given once every 3–4 weeks.
Cisplatin is also sometimes used to treat head and neck cancer (including cancer of the mouth, lip, cheek, tongue, palate, throat, tonsils, and sinuses), lung cancer, cancer of the cervix and esophagus, brain tumors, malignant pleural mesothlioma (cancer in the lining of the chest or abdomen), and neuroblastoma (a cancer that begins in nerve cells and occurs mainly in children). Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
hair loss
loss in ability to taste food
hiccups
dry mouth, dark urine, decreased sweating, dry skin, and other signs of dehydration
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
Cisplatin may increase the risk that you will develop other cancers. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.
Cisplatin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
decreased urination
swelling of the face, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
unusual tiredness or weakness
yellowing of the skin or eyes
pain in the upper right part of the stomach
nausea
vomiting
unusual bleeding or bruising
hearing problems
sudden changes in vision
fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection
pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 10/15/2011
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.