What is cisplatin?
Cisplatin is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Cisplatin is used together with other medications to treat bladder cancer, testicular cancer, or ovarian cancer.
Cisplatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about cisplatin?
You should not receive cisplatin if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to cisplatin or similar medications such as carboplatin (Paraplatin) or oxaliplatin (Eloxatin). You should not receive cisplatin if you have severe bleeding or bone marrow suppression.
Before receiving cisplatin, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, or if you have received cisplatin in the past.
Cisplatin can harm your kidneys, and this effect is increased when you also use certain other medicines harmful to the kidneys. Before you receive cisplatin, tell your doctor about all other medications you use. Many other drugs (including some over-the-counter medicines) can be harmful to the kidneys.
Cisplatin can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.
Call your doctor if you have a serious side effect such as pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, mouth sores, hearing or vision problems, numbness or tingling, feeling short of breath, or muscle weakness.
Using cisplatin may increase your risk of developing leukemia. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving cisplatin?
You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to cisplatin or similar medications such as carboplatin (Paraplatin) or oxaliplatin (Eloxatin). You should not receive cisplatin if you have kidney disease or hearing loss.
To make sure you can safely take cisplatin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use cisplatin if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Cisplatin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not breast feed a baby while receiving this medication.
Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults using cisplatin.