Cisplatin (Injection)

Cisplatin (SIS-pla-tin)

Treats cancer of the testicles, bladder, ovaries, or lung.

Brand Name(s):

Platinol-AQ
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to cisplatin or anything that contains platinum. You should not receive this medicine if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney problems, hearing loss, or blood or bone marrow problems.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and may have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is usually given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• Drink extra fluids to pass more urine while you are using this medicine. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems.
• If any of this medicine gets on your skin or in your eyes, nose, or mouth, tell your caregiver right away.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicine for seizures (such as Depakote®, Dilantin®, Keppra™, Luminal®, Tegretol®). Tell your doctor if you have ever been treated with radiation or other cancer drugs.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding or have any other health conditions.
• This medicine may make you bleed or get infections more easily. To help prevent these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood and urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. You may also need to have other exams, such as hearing tests, on a regular basis. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Even if you take medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting, you may still have these problems while taking cancer medicine. Ask your doctor or nurse for other ways to help control these side effects.
• Side effects of this medicine may appear in between treatments or after you have stopped using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Fast heartbeat, itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting
• Fever, chills, sore throat, cough
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Ringing, buzzing, or trouble hearing in one or both ears
• Uncontrollable nausea and vomiting
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, loss of appetite
• Pain, redness, or swelling where the IV needle is inserted

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.