Health Library

Cisplatin (By injection)

Cisplatin (sis-PLA-tin)

Treats cancer of the bladder, ovaries, or testicles.

Brand Name(s):

Kemoplat

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through an IV placed in a vein. This medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will have to stay in place for 6 to 8 hours.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.
• Tell your caregiver right away if this medicine gets on your skin or in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• This medicine is usually used with other medicines. If you are using a combination of medicines, it is important that you receive each one at the proper time.
• Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how cisplatin works. Tell your doctor if you are using medicine that affects your kidneys or ears.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. If you are female and able to get pregnant, your doctor may give you a pregnancy test before you start using this medicine to make sure you are not pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 14 months after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 11 months after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, nerve problems, blood or bone marrow problems, or ear or hearing problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Kidney problems
  • Nerve problems, including peripheral neuropathy
  • Ear or hearing problems
  • Eye problems, including optical neuritis, papilledema, cortical blindness
  • Increased risk for other cancers, including leukemia
  • Injection site reactions
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
• Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred or changes in vision, eye pain
• Bone or joint pain, pale skin, weight loss, swollen lymph glands in the neck, armpit, groin, or stomach
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, dark urine, lower back or side pain, painful urination, swelling of the feet or lower legs
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
• Ringing, buzzing, or trouble hearing in one or both ears, dizziness, loss of balance
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024