Cisplatin is used to treat cancer of the testicle, ovary, bladder, head and neck, cervix or lung.
This medicine may be used on its own or together with other anti-cancer medicines to kill cancer cells.
This medicine is to be given intravenously (into the vein) via a drip. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Cisplatin is usually given over many hours. You will need to rest in the hospital ward or clinic while you are on this medicine drip.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
Before the Cisplatin drip is started, you may be given fluid drips to make you pass more urine. This may continue for another day after the treatment. Other medicines may also be given before this medicine drip to prevent or lessen the side effects of Cisplatin.
The dose of this medicine will be determined by your doctor based on your weight, height and the health of your kidney. Cisplatin is usually given once every 3-4 weeks. This medicine may also be given once daily for 5 days every 3-4 weeks. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to be given Cisplatin.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any dose.
If you miss an appointment with your doctor, arrange for a replacement appointment as soon as possible.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- hearing problem
- a bone marrow condition (not producing enough blood cells)
as Cisplatin may not be suitable for you.
Do not use this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Do not use this medicine with yellow fever vaccine.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
Keep your appointments with your doctor . You will need to have regular blood tests to check your kidney and liver function as well as your blood counts. Hearing tests will also be arranged to check for any hearing changes. Your doctor will advise you on how often you will need to have these tests.
Inform your doctor if you have recently been vaccinated. The vaccine may not work well or may cause an infection when used together with Cisplatin. Do not have any vaccinations without first asking your doctor for advice.
This medicine may cause some changes in your eyesight such as blurring of vision and color blindness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, ringing in the ears, change in hearing, hair loss, loss of balance, change in colour recognition, high blood pressure and hiccups.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:
- breathlessness, swelling or flushing of face, swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, hands or feet, rashes, itchy or runny nose
- numbness or tingling sensation in arms or legs, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, tingling shock-like sensation passing down the arms or body when the neck is lifted, slurred speech, memory loss or fits
- chest pain
- fever with persistent sore throat or mouth ulcers, unusual bleeding or bruising
- fast and irregular heart beat
Cisplatin may cause the vein at the injection site to swell and become painful. Accidental leakage of Cisplatin onto skin may cause skin injury. Alert your doctor quickly if it occurs.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take this medicine with yellow fever vaccine.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines that may affect your kidney such as antibiotics belonging to aminoglycoside group and amphotericin B
- medicines that may affect hearing e.g. furosemide, ethacrynic acid
- other medicines for cancer e.g. methotrexate, paclitaxel
- medicines for epilepsy (seizure or fits) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Cisplatin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Do not refrigerate.
Store Cisplatin in its original carton and protect from light.
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