Cisplatin
About Cisplatin
Cisplatin belongs to the group of medicines called cytostatics used alone or in combination with other cytostatic medicines to treat tumours of the ovary, testis, bladder, neck and head epithelial tumours, lung cancer, and cervical cancer in combination with radiotherapy. Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and damage body tissues.
Cisplatin contains Cisplatin, which works by preventing the growth of cancer cells and eventually destroying them. Thereby, it helps treat cancer.
In some cases, Cisplatin may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, tiredness, hair loss, pain or redness at the site of injection. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. Do not be reluctant to talk with your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
Do not use Cisplatin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Both women and men should seek advice on fertility preservation before treatment and use effective contraception during treatment. Cisplatin is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Inform the doctor about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Cisplatin
Medicinal Benefits
Cisplatin contains Cisplatin, which belongs to the group of medicines called platinum-containing compounds used to treat testicular and ovarian cancer that has not improved or has worsened after treatment with radiation therapy or other medicines. It is also used alone or in combination with other medicines for bladder cancer, which has not been treated with radiotherapy or surgery alone. This medicine is also indicated in the treatment of head and neck cancer, lung cancer, and cervical cancer in combination with radiotherapy. Cisplatin prevents the growth of cancer cells and eventually destroys them. Thereby, it helps treat cancer.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cisplatin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tiredness
- Pain or redness at the site of injection
- Hair loss
- Diarrhoea
- High temperature
- Decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets
Drug Warnings
Do not use Cisplatin if you are allergic to any of its components, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have severe kidney disease, hearing difficulties, myelosuppression (bone marrow does not make enough platelets or blood cells), are dehydrated, or if you have taken or plan to receive yellow fever vaccination. Inform the doctor if you have low blood count, peripheral neuropathy or have had radiation therapy to your head. Consult the doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment with Cisplatin. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction (itchy rash, swelling of the hands, feet, face, ankles, throat, lips or mouth, flushing, and feeling faint), heart attack (severe chest pain radiating to the arm or jaw with sweating, nausea, and breathlessness), stroke, brain dysfunction (slurred speech, sometimes blindness, confusion, memory loss and paralysis), kidney problems (unusual tiredness or weakness, decreased urination, or swelling of the face, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs), or hearing problems (ringing in the ears, dizziness, or hearing loss).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking anticonvulsants (phenytoin), antibiotics (cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, amphotericin B), diuretics, anti-cancer (ifosfamide, bleomycin, methotrexate, paclitaxel), anti-coagulants, and antihistamines.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have myelosuppression, kidney problems, hearing impairment or peripheral neuropathy.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol affects Cisplatin. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeCisplatin belongs to pregnancy category D. Cisplatin may cause foetal harm. Therefore, it should not be used during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeCisplatin has been reported to be found in human milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for four weeks after the treatment with Cisplatin.
Driving
cautionCisplatin may cause dizziness and tiredness. Avoid driving if you experience any side effects that might lessen your ability to do so.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Cisplatin.
Kidney
cautionCisplatin should not be used if you have severe kidney disease or pre-existing renal impairment. If you have a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Cisplatin.
Children
cautionCisplatin is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Include vegetables and fruits in your diet.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugar.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Drink enough water and eat fibre-rich foods, vegetables and fruits.
Special Advise
- Regular liver/kidney function tests and blood tests are advised as Cisplatin may cause problems with blood, kidneys, and liver.
- Women must use reliable contraception during treatment and for seven months after receiving the last dose.
- Men with female partners of childbearing potential are advised to use effective contraception during treatment and for four months after the last dose.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Testicular cancer: It is the cancer in the male organs that make testicles/sperm and male hormones. A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum and a lump in either testicle are the symptoms of testicular cancer.
Ovarian cancer: Ovarian cancer is a cancer that begins in the female reproductive organs where the ovaries/eggs are formed. It often has no symptoms in the early stages. Later stages are associated with symptoms such as weight loss and loss of appetite.
Bladder cancer: It is a cancer that begins in the bladder. It typically affects older adults. The most common symptom is blood in the urine.
Head and neck cancer: It is a group of cancers of the mouth, nose, sinuses, or throat. A significant risk factor is smoking. Symptoms include a sore/lump that does not heal, trouble swallowing, persistent sore throat, and voice change.
Lung cancer: It is a disease that begins in the lungs and mostly occurs in people who smoke. Symptoms of lung cancer are cough, wheezing, chest pain, and weight loss.
Cervical cancer: It is the malignant tumour of the cervix (lowermost part of the uterus). Symptoms include bleeding between periods and after sexual intercourse, foul-smelling white discharge, low back pain, or lower abdominal pain.
FAQs
Cisplatin works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Cisplatin may potentially cause permanent sterility in men. Both women and men are recommended to seek advice on fertility preservation (the process of saving/protecting sperm, eggs or reproductive tissue) prior to treatment.
Consult the doctor before having any immunisations whilst on treatment with Cisplatin.
Cisplatin may cause serious kidney problems, more often in older people. Consult the doctor immediately if you experience unusual tiredness or weakness, decreased urination, or swelling of the face, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs.
Cisplatin is not recommended for patients with hearing problems. Cisplatin may cause serious hearing problems. In some cases, hearing loss might be permanent. Call your doctor immediately if you experience ringing in the ears, dizziness, or hearing loss.
