Cisplatin Injection is a sterile aqueous solution, available in 50, 100 and 200 mL multiple dose vials, each mL containing 1 mg of cisplatin and 9 mg sodium chloride in water for injection. HCI and/or sodium hydroxide added to adjust pH to 3.5 to 4.5.

Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum) is a heavy metal complex containing a central atom of platinum surrounded by two chloride atoms and two ammonia molecules in the cis position. It is a white powder with the molecular formula PtCl₂H₆N₂, and a molecular weight of 300.05. It is soluble in water or saline at 1 mg/mL and in dimethylformamide at 24 mg/mL. It has a melting point of 207°C.

Cisplatin injection is indicated as therapy to be employed as follows:

Metastatic Testicular Tumors - In established combination therapy with other approved chemotherapeutic agents in patients with metastatic testicular tumors who have already received appropriate surgical and/or radiotherapeutic procedures.

Metastatic Ovarian Tumors - In established combination therapy with other approved chemotherapeutic agents in patients with metastatic ovarian tumors who have already received appropriate surgical and/or radiotherapeutic procedures. An established combination consists of cisplatin and cyclophosphamide. Cisplatin, as a single agent, is indicated as secondary therapy in patients with metastatic ovarian tumors refractory to standard chemotherapy who have not previously received cisplatin therapy.

Advanced Bladder Cancer - Cisplatin is indicated as a single agent for patients with transitional cell bladder cancer which is no longer amenable to local treatments such as surgery and/or radiotherapy,

Note: Needles or intravenous sets containing aluminum parts that may come in contact with cisplatin should not be used for preparation or administration. Aluminum reacts with cisplatin, causing precipitate formation and a loss of potency.

Metastatic Testicular Tumors - The usual cisplatin dose for the treatment of testicular cancer in combination with other approved chemotherapeutic agents is 20 mg/m² IV daily for 5 days per cycle.

Metastatic Ovarian Tumors - The usual cisplatin dose for the treatment of metastatic ovarian tumors in combination with cyclophosphamide is 75 to 100 mg/m² IV per cycle once every four weeks (DAY 1).

The dose of cyclophosphamide when used in combination with cisplatin is 600 mg/m² IV once every four weeks (DAY 1).

For directions for the administration of cyclophosphamide, refer to the cyclophosphamide package insert.

In combination therapy, cisplatin and cyclophosphamide are administered sequentially.

As a single agent, cisplatin should be administered at a dose of 100 mg/m² IV per cycle once every four weeks.

Advanced Bladder Cancer -Cisplatin should be administered as a single agent at a dose of 50 to 70 mg/m² IV per cycle once every 3 to 4 weeks depending on the extent of prior exposure to radiation therapy and/or prior chemotherapy. For heavily pretreated patients an initial dose of 50 mg/m² per cycle repeated every four weeks is recommended.

All Patients - Pretreatment hydration with 1 to 2 liters of fluid infused for 8 to 12 hours prior to a cisplatin dose is recommended. The drug is then diluted in 2 liters of 5% Dextrose in 1/2 or 1/3 normal saline containing 37.5 g of mannitol, and infused over a 6- to 8- hour period. If diluted solution is not to be used within 6 hours, protect solution from light. Do not dilute cisplatin in just 5% Dextrose Injection. Adequate hydration and urinary output must be maintained during the following 24 hours.

A repeat course of cisplatin should not be given until the serum creatinine is below 1.5 mg/100 mL, and/or the BUN is below 25 mg/100 mL. A repeat course should not be given until circulating blood elements are at an acceptable level (platelets ≥ 100,000/mm³,WBC ≥ 4,000/mm³).Subsequent doses of cisplatin should not be given until an audiometric analysis indicates that auditory acuity is within normal limits.

As with other potentially toxic compounds, caution should be exercised in handling the aqueous solution. Skin reactions associated with accidental exposure to cisplatin may occur. The use of gloves is recommended. If cisplatin contacts the skin or mucosa, immediately and thoroughly wash the skin with soap and water and flush the mucosa with water.

The aqueous solution should be used intravenously only and should be administered by IV infusion over a 6- to 8- hour period.

NOTE TO THE PHARMACIST-Exercise caution to prevent inadvertent cisplatin overdosage. Please call prescriber if dose greater than 100 mg/m² per cycle. Aluminum cap and flip-off seal of vial have been imprinted with the following statement:

CALL DR. IF DOSE > 100 MG/M^2/CYCLE.

Stability

Cisplatin Injection is a sterile, multidose vial without preservatives.

Store at 15° to 25°C (59° to 77°F). Do not refrigerate. Protect unopened container from light.

The cisplatin remaining in the amber vial following initial entry is stable for 28 days protected from light or for 7 days under fluorescent room light.

Procedures for proper handling and disposal of anticancer drugs should be considered. Several guidelines on this subject have been published.^1-7 There is no general agreement that all of the procedures recommended in the guidelines are necessary or appropriate.

Cisplatin Injection is supplied as follows:

NDC 55390-099-01- Each amber vial contains 1 mg/mL; 200 mg/200 mL MULTIPLE DOSE vial of cisplatin.
NDC 55390-112-99 -Each amber vial contains 1 mg/mL; 100 mg/100 mL MULTIPLE DOSE vial of cisplatin.
NDC 55390-112-50 - Each amber vial contains 1 mg/mL; 50 mg/50 mL MULTIPLE DOSE vial of cisplatin.

REFERENCES

1. Recommendations for the Safe Handling of Parenteral Antineoplastic Drugs. NIH Publication No. 83-2621. For sale by the Superintendent of Documents. US Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

2. AMA Council Report. Guidelines for Handling Parenteral Antineoplastics. JAMA. 1985; 253(11): 1590-1592.

3. National Study Commission on Cytotoxic Exposure - Recommendations for Handling Cytotoxic Agents. Available from Louis P. Jeffrey, SC.D, Chairman, National Study Commission on Cytotoxic Exposure, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, 179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.

4. Clinical Oncological Society of Australia. Guidelines and Recommendations for Safe Handling of Antineoplastic Agents. Med J Australia 1983; 1:426-428.

5. Jones RB, et al: Safe Handling of Chemotherapeutic Agents: A Report from the Mount Sinai Medical Center. CA - A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 1983; (Sept/Oct) 258-263.

6. American Society of Hospital Pharmacists Technical Assistance Bulletin on Handling Cytotoxic and Hazardous Drugs. Am J Hosp Pharm 1990; 47: 1033-1049.

7. Controlling Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Drugs. (OSHA Work-Practice Guidelines). Am J Health-Syst Pharm 1996; 53: 1669-1685.

Manufactured By: Ben Venue Laboratories, Inc., Bedford, OH 44146. Manufactured for: Bedford Laboratories™ Bedford, OH 44146. FDA Rev date: 12/5/2002

Nephrotoxicity - Dose-related and cumulative renal insufficiency is the major dose-limiting toxicity of cis-platin. Renal toxicity has been noted in 28% to 36% of patients treated with a single dose of 50 mg/m². It is first noted during the second week after a dose and is manifested by elevations in BUN and creatinine, serum uric acid and/or a decrease in creatinine clearance. Renal toxicity becomes more prolonged and severe with repeated courses of the drug. Renal function must return to normal before another dose of cisplatin can be given. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to nephrotoxicity (see PRECAUTIONS: Geriatric Use).

Impairment of renal function has been associated with renal tubular damage. The administration of cis-platin using a 6- to 8- hour infusion with intravenous hydration, and mannitol has been used to reduce nephrotoxicity. However, renal toxicity still can occur after utilization of these procedures.

Ototoxicity -Ototoxicity has been observed in up to 31% of patients treated with a single dose of cisplatin 50 mg/m², and is manifested by tinnitus and/or hearing loss in the high frequency range (4,000 to 8,000 Hz). Decreased ability to hear normal conversational tones may occur occasionally. Deafness after the initial dose of cisplatin has been reported rarely. Ototoxic effects may be more severe in children receiving cisplatin. Hearing loss can be unilateral or bilateral and tends to become more frequent and severe with repeated doses. Ototoxicity may be enhanced with prior or simultaneous cranial irradiation. It is unclear whether cisplatin induced ototoxicity is reversible. Ototoxic effects may be related to the peak plasma concentration of cisplatin. Careful monitoring of audiometry should be performed prior to initiation of therapy and prior to subsequent doses of cisplatin.

Vestibular toxicity has also been reported.

Ototoxicity may become more severe in patients being treated with other drugs with nephrotoxic potential.

Hematologic - Myelosuppression occurs in 25% to 30% of patients treated with cisplatin. The nadirs in circulating platelets and leukocytes occur between days 18 to 23 (range 7.5 to 45) with most patients recovering by day 39 (range 13 to 62). Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia are more pronounced at higher doses ( > 50 mg/m²). Anemia (decrease of 2 g hemoglobin/100 mL) occurs at approximately the same frequency and with the same timing as leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Fever and infections have also been reported in patients with neutropenia. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to myelosuppression (see PRECAUTIONS: Geriatric Use).

In addition to anemia secondary to myelosuppression, a Coombs' positive hemolytic anemia has been reported. In the presence of cisplatin hemolytic anemia, a further course of treatment may be accompanied by increased hemolysis and this risk should be weighed by the treating physician.

The development of acute leukemia coincident with the use of cisplatin has rarely been reported in humans. In these reports, cisplatin was generally given in combination with other leukemogenic agents.

Gastrointestinal - Marked nausea and vomiting occur in almost all patients treated with cisplatin, and are occasionally so severe that the drug must be discontinued. Nausea and vomiting usually begin within 1 to 4 hours after treatment and last up to 24 hours. Various degrees of vomiting, nausea and/or anorexia may persist for up to 1 week after treatment.

Delayed nausea and vomiting (begins or persists 24 hours or more after chemotherapy) has occurred in patients attaining complete emetic control on the day of cisplatin therapy.

Diarrhea has also been reported.

Other Toxicities

Vascular toxicities coincident with the use of cisplatin in combination with other antineoplastic agents have been reported rarely. The events are clinically heterogeneous and may include myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, thrombotic microangiopathy (HUS), or cerebral arteritis. Various mechanisms have been proposed for these vascular complications. There are also reports of Raynaud's phenomenon occurring in patients treated with the combination of bleomycin, vinblastine with or without cisplatin. It has been suggested that hypomagnesemia developing coincident with the use of cisplatin may be an added, although not essential, factor associated with this event. However, it is currently unknown if the cause of Raynaud's phenomenon in these cases is the disease, underlying vascular compromise, bleomycin, vin-blastine, hypomagnesemia, or a combination of any of these factors.

Serum Electrolyte Disturbances - Hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and hypophosphatemia have been reported to occur in patients treated with cisplatin and are probably related to renal tubular damage. Tetany has occasionally been reported in those patients with hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia. Generally, normal serum electrolyte levels are restored by administering supplemental electrolytes and discontinuing cisplatin.

Inappropriate antidiuretic hormone syndrome has also been reported.

Hyperuricemia - Hyperuricemia has been reported to occur at approximately the same frequency as the increases in BUN and serum creatinine.

It is more pronounced after doses greater than 50 mg/m², and peak levels of uric acid generally occur between 3 to 5 days after the dose. Allopurinol therapy for hyperuricemia effectively reduces uric acid levels.

Neurotoxicity (see WARNINGS section) - Neurotoxicity, usually characterized by peripheral neuropathies, has been reported. The neuropathies usually occur after prolonged therapy (4 to 7 months); however, neu-rologic symptoms have been reported to occur after a single dose. Although symptoms and signs of cis-platin neuropathy usually develop during treatment, symptoms of neuropathy may begin 3 to 8 weeks after the last dose of cisplatin, although this is rare. Cisplatin therapy should be discontinued when the symptoms are first observed. The neuropathy, however, may progress further even after stopping treatment. Preliminary evidence suggests peripheral neuropathy may be irreversible in some patients. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to peripheral neuropathy (see PRECAUTIONS: Geriatric Use).

Lhermitte's sign, dorsal column myelopathy, and autonomic neuropathy have also been reported.

Loss of taste and seizures have also been reported.

Muscle cramps, defined as localized, painful, involuntary skeletal muscle contractions of sudden onset and short duration, have been reported and were usually associated in patients receiving a relatively high cumulative dose of cisplatin and with a relatively advanced symptomatic stage of peripheral neuropathy.

Ocular Toxicity - Optic neuritis, papilledema, and cerebral blindness have been reported infrequently in patients receiving standard recommended doses of cisplatin. Improvement and/or total recovery usually occurs after discontinuing cisplatin. Steroids with or without mannitol have been used; however, efficacy has not been established.

Blurred vision and altered color perception have been reported after the use of regimens with higher doses of cisplatin or greater dose frequencies than those recommended in the package insert. The altered color perception manifests as a loss of color discrimination, particularly in the blue-yellow axis. The only finding on funduscopic exam is irregular retinal pigmentation of the macular area.

Anaphylactic-like Reactions -Anaphylactic-like reactions have been occasionally reported in patients previously exposed to cisplatin. The reactions consist of facial edema, wheezing, tachycardia, and hypotension within a few minutes of drug administration. Reactions may be controlled by intravenous epinephrine with corticosteriods and/or antihistamines as indicated. Patients receiving cisplatin should be observed carefully for possible anaphylactic-like reactions and supportive equipment and medication should be available to treat such a complication.

Hepatotoxicity - Transient elevations of liver enzymes, especially SGOT, as well as bilirubin, have been reported to be associated with cisplatin administration at the recommended doses.

Other Events - Other toxicities reported to occur infrequently are cardiac abnormalities, hiccups, elevated serum amylase, and rash. Alopecia, malaise, and asthenia have been reported as part of postmarketing surveillance.

Local soft tissue toxicity has rarely been reported following extravasation of cisplatin. Severity of the local tissue toxicity appears to be related to the concentration of the cisplatin solution. Infusion of solutions with a cisplatin concentration greater than 0.5 mg/mL may result in tissue cellulitis, fibrosis, and necrosis.

Plasma levels of anticonvulsant agents may become subtherapeutic during cisplatin therapy.

In a randomized trial in advanced ovarian cancer, response duration was adversely affected when pyridoxine was used in combination with altretamine (hexamethylmelamine) and cisplatin.

Cisplatin produces cumulative nephrotoxicity which is potentiated by aminoglycoside antibiotics. The serum creatinine, BUN, creatinine clearance, and magnesium, sodium, potassium, and calcium levels should be measured prior to initiating therapy, and prior to each subsequent course. At the recommended dosage, cisplatin should not be given more frequently than once every 3 to 4 weeks (see ADVERSE REACTIONS section). Elderly patients may be more susceptible to nephrotoxicity (see PRECAUTIONS: Geriatric Use).

There are reports of severe neuropathies in patients in whom regimens are employed using higher doses of cisplatin or greater dose frequencies than those recommended. These neuropathies may be irreversible and are seen as paresthesias in a stocking-glove distribution, areflexia, and loss of proprioception and vibratory sensation. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to peripheral neuropathy (see PRECAUTIONS: Geriatric Use).

Loss of motor function has also been reported.

Anaphylactic-like reactions to cisplatin have been reported. These reactions have occurred within minutes of administration to patients with prior exposure to cisplatin, and have been alleviated by administration of epinephrine, corticosteriods, and antihistamines.

Since ototoxicity of cisplatin is cumulative, audiometric testing should be performed prior to initiating therapy and prior to each subsequent dose of drug (see ADVERSE REACTIONS section).

Cisplatin can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Cisplatin is mutagenic in bacteria and produces chromosome aberrations in animal cells in tissue culture. In mice, cisplatin is teratogenic and embryotoxic. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Patients should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant.

The carcinogenic effect of cisplatin was studied in BD IX rats. Cisplatin was administered i.p. to 50 BD IX rats for 3 weeks, 3 x 1 mg/kg body weight per week. Four hundred and fifty-five days after the first application, 33 animals died, 13 of them related to malignancies: 12 leukemias and 1 renal fibrosarcoma.

The development of acute leukemia coincident with the use of cisplatin has rarely been reported in humans. In these reports, cisplatin was generally given in combination with other leukemogenic agents.

Peripheral blood counts should be monitored weekly. Liver function should be monitored periodically. Neurologic examination should also be performed regularly (see ADVERSE REACTIONS section).

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility- see WARNINGS section.

Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects, Pregnancy Category D- see WARNINGS section.

Nursing Mothers - Cisplatin has been reported to be found in human milk; patients receiving cisplatin should not breast feed.

Pediatric Use - Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric Use - Insufficient data are available from clinical trials of cisplatin in the treatment of metastatic testicular tumors or advanced bladder cancer to determine whether elderly patients respond differently than younger patients. In four clinical trials of combination chemotherapy for advanced ovarian carcinoma, 1484 patients received cisplatin either in combination with cyclophosphamide or paclitaxel. Of these, 426 (29%) were older than 65 years. In these trials, age was not found to be a prognostic factor for survival. However, in a later secondary analysis for one of these trials, elderly patients were found to have shorter survival compared with younger patients. In all four trials, elderly patients experienced more severe neutropenia than younger patients. Higher incidences of severe thrombocytopenia and leukopenia were also seen in elderly compared with younger patients, although not in all cisplatin-containing treatment arms. In the two trials where nonhematologic toxicity was evaluated according to age, elderly patients had a numerically higher incidence of peripheral neuropathy than younger patients. Other reported clinical experience suggests that elderly patients may be more susceptible to myelosuppression, infectious complications, and nephrotoxicity than younger patients.

Cisplatin is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney and is contraindicated in patients with preexisting renal impairment. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and renal function should be monitored.

Caution should be exercised to prevent inadvertent overdosage with cisplatin. Acute overdosage with this drug may result in kidney failure, liver failure, deafness, ocular toxicity (including detachment of the retina), significant myelosuppression, intractable nausea and vomiting and/or neuritis. In addition, death can occur following overdosage.

No proven antidotes have been established for cisplatin overdosage. Hemodialysis, even when initiated four hours after the overdosage, appears to have little effect on removing platinum from the body because of cisplatin's rapid and high degree of protein binding. Management of overdosage should include general supportive measures to sustain the patient through any period of toxicity that may occur.

Cisplatin is contraindicated in patients with preexisting renal impairment. Cisplatin should not be employed in myelosuppressed patients, or patients with hearing impairment.

Cisplatin is contraindicated in patients with a history of allergic reactions to cisplatin or other platinum-containing compounds.

Plasma concentrations of the parent compound, cisplatin, decay monoexponentially with a half-life of about 20 to 30 minutes following bolus administration of 50 or 100 mg/m² doses. Monoexponential decay and plasma half-lives of about 0.5 hour are also seen following two hour or seven hour infusions of 100 mg/m². After the latter, the total-body clearances and volumes of distribution at steady-state for cis-platin are about 15 to 16 L/h/m² and 11 to 12 L/m².

Due to its unique chemical structure, the chlorine atoms of cisplatin are more subject to chemical displacement reactions by nucleophiles, such as water or sulfhydryl groups, than to enzyme-catalyzed metabolism. At physiological pH in the presence of 0.1M NaCl, the predominant molecular species are cisplatin and monohydroxymonochloro cis-diammine platinum (II) in nearly equal concentrations. The latter, combined with the possible direct displacement of the chlorine atoms by sulfhydryl groups of amino acids or proteins, accounts for the instability of cisplatin in biological matrices. The ratios of cisplatin to total free (ultrafilterable) platinum in the plasma vary considerably between patients and range from 0.5 to 1.1 after a dose of 100 mg/m².

Cisplatin does not undergo the instantaneous and reversible binding to plasma proteins that is characteristic of normal drug-protein binding. However, the platinum from cisplatin, but not cisplatin itself, becomes bound to several plasma proteins including albumin, transterrin, and gamma globulin. Three hours after a bolus injection and two hours after the end of a three-hour infusion, 90% of the plasma platinum is protein bound. The complexes between albumin and the platinum from cisplatin do not dissociate to a significant extent and are slowly eliminated with a minimum half-life of five days or more.

Following cisplatin doses of 20 to 120 mg/m², the concentrations of platinum are highest in liver, prostate, and kidney, somewhat lower in bladder, muscle, testicle, pancreas, and spleen and lowest in bowel, adrenal, heart, lung, cerebrum, and cerebellum. Platinum is present in tissues for as long as 180 days after the last administration. With the exception of intracerebral tumors, platinum concentrations in tumors are generally somewhat lower than the concentrations in the organ where the tumor is located. Different metastatic sites in the same patient may have different platinum concentrations. Hepatic metastases have the highest platinum concentrations, but these are similar to the platinum concentrations in normal liver. Maximum red blood cell concentrations of platinum are reached within 90 to 150 minutes after a 100 mg/m² dose of cisplatin and decline in a biphasic manner with a terminal half-life of 36 to 47 days.

Over a dose range of 40 to 140 mg cisplatin/m² given as a bolus injection or as infusions varying in length from 1 hour to 24 hours, from 10% to about 40% of the administered platinum is excreted in the urine in 24 hours. Over five days following administration of 40 to 100 mg/m² doses given as rapid, 2 to 3 hour, or 6 to 8 hour infusions, a mean of 35% to 51% of the dosed platinum is excreted in the urine. Similar mean urinary recoveries of platinum of about 14% to 30% of the dose are found following five daily administrations of 20, 30, or 40 mg/m²/day. Only a small percentage of the administered platinum is excreted beyond 24 hours post-infusion and most of the platinum excreted in the urine in 24 hours is excreted within the first few hours. Platinum-containing species excreted in the urine are the same as those found following the incubation of cisplatin with urine from healthy subjects, except that the proportions are different.

The parent compound, cisplatin, is excreted in the urine and accounts for 13% to 17% of the dose excreted within one hour after administration of 50 mg/m². The mean renal clearance of cisplatin exceeds crea-tinine clearance and is 62 and 50 mL/min/m² following administration of 100 mg/m² as 2 hour or 6 to 7 hour infusions, respectively.

The renal clearance of free (ultrafilterable) platinum also exceeds the glomerular filtration rate indicating that cisplatin or other platinum-containing molecules are actively secreted by the kidneys. The renal clearance of free platinum is nonlinear and variable and is dependent on dose, urine flow rate, and individual variability in the extent of active secretion of possible tubular reabsorption.

There is a potential for accumulation of ultrafilterable platinum plasma concentrations whenever cisplatin is administered on a daily basis but not when dosed on an intermittent basis.

No significant relationships exist between the renal clearance of either free platinum or cisplatin and creatinine clearance.

Although small amounts of platinum are present in the bile and large intestine after administration of cis-platin, the fecal excretion of platinum appears to be insignificant.

No information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS sections.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

CISPLATIN - INJECTION

(sis-PLAT-in)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Platinol-AQ

WARNING: Cisplatin may cause severe kidney problems or very serious allergic reactions. Hearing loss (more common in children), bleeding problems, a decrease in your body's ability to fight infections (bone marrow suppression), and severe nausea and vomiting may occur as well. Your risk of these problems increases with higher doses or longer treatment with cisplatin.

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: change in the amount of urine, rash, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, fast heartbeat, dizziness, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual tiredness or weakness, signs of infection (e.g., fever or persistent sore throat), nausea, or vomiting.

USES: Cisplatin is used to treat various types of cancer. It is a chemotherapy drug that contains platinum. It is used alone or in combination with other medications to slow or stop cancer cell growth.

HOW TO USE: This medication is usually given by injection into a vein (intravenously-IV) by a healthcare professional. This medication should be mixed in the proper solution. Before using, check this medication visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Do not use needles or IV tubing that contain aluminum because this medication reacts with aluminum. If you have questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist.

During treatment with this medication, it is important that you take in more fluids than usual and pass urine frequently to help avoid kidney side effects. Intravenous fluids should be given with this medication. Also, ask your doctor how much fluid you should drink and follow these instructions carefully.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to therapy. Courses of cisplatin treatment should not be given more often than once every 3 to 4 weeks. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

If this medication comes into contact with your skin, wash your skin immediately and completely with soap and water.

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warnings.

Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and loss of taste may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be quite severe and persistent. Drug therapy is used to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Not eating before your treatment may help relieve vomiting. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: pain/burning/redness at the injection site, numbness/tingling/coldness/blue discoloration of the hands or feet, loss of reflexes, loss of balance, trouble walking, muscle cramps/spasms/weakness, neck or back pain, mouth or tongue sores, joint pain, swollen legs or feet, mental/mood changes, headache, fast/irregular heartbeat, blood in urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, black or bloody stools, painful or difficult urination, lower back or side pain, vision changes (e.g., blurred vision, seeing colors differently).

Rarely, temporary vision loss may occur with cisplatin use. Normal vision usually returns after the end of treatment. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details and report this side effect immediately if it occurs.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, jaw or left arm pain, confusion, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, seizures.

This medication can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat, or cough.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking cisplatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to carboplatin; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: kidney disease, decreased bone marrow function/blood cell disorders (e.g., anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), hearing problems.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: mineral imbalance (low blood levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphate), numbness/tingling of the hands/feet, kidney stones, gout.

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.

Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured.

Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially to kidney problems, numbness/tingling of the hands/feet, infections, and bleeding problems.

Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially hearing loss.

This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may cause harm to an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should use reliable form(s) of birth control during treatment with this drug and for some time afterwards. Consult your doctor for more details.

This drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

This medication can affect sperm production in men. Therefore, men should use a reliable form of birth control during treatment and for some time afterwards. Consult your doctor for more details.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: nalidixic acid, pyridoxine when used in combination with both altretamine and cisplatin.

If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting cisplatin.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, neomycin), amphotericin B, anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin), certain "water pills" (loop diuretics such as furosemide, bumetanide, ethacrynic acid).

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., kidney function tests, complete blood count, blood mineral levels, hearing tests) should be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: For optimal benefits, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule.

STORAGE: Store unopened vials at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C). Do not refrigerate. Protect from light. Once the medication is mixed, ask your pharmacist for storage and expiration information.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.