Cisplatin (Cisplatin Injection) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 26, 2012

Cisplatin

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Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. The abnormal cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumor cells. Many cancers and the abnormal cells that compose the cancer tissue are further identified by the name of the tissue that the abnormal cells originated from (for example, breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer). Cancer is not confined to humans; animals and other living organisms can get cancer. Below is a schematic that shows normal cell division and how when a cell is damaged or altered without repair to its system, the cell usually dies. Also shown is what can occur when such damaged or unrepaired cells do not die and become cancer cells and proliferate with uncontrolled growth; a mass of cancer cells develop. Frequently, cancer cells can break away from this original mass of cells, travel through the blood and lymph systems, and lodge in other organs where they can again repeat the ...

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Cisplatin User Reviews >>

Cisplatin

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Cisplatin Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

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 by a healthcare professional. 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.

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.

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