Cisplatin Injection

Uses

Cisplatin injection is used in 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 injection 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.

Side Effects Of Cisplatin Injection

Cisplatin injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

  • swelling, pain, redness, or burning at the injection site
  • pain, burning or tingling in the hands or feet
  • muscle cramps
  • difficulty walking
  • the 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.

Warnings & Precautions

Before taking cisplatin injection:

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cisplatin, carboplatin (Paraplatin), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in cisplatin injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the WARNING section and any of the following: amphotericin B (Abelcet; AmBisome; Amphotec, Fungizone Intravenous), anticonvulsants such as phenytoin (Dilantin), bumetanide (Bumex), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), furosemide (Lasix), pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with cisplatin, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
  • tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or hearing problems. Your doctor may not want you to receive cisplatin injection.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You should not become pregnant or breast-feed while you are receiving cisplatin. If you become pregnant while receiving cisplatin, call your doctor. Cisplatin may harm the fetus.

Dosage Of Cisplatin Injection

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 to 4 weeks.

Other

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.

Source

All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.