Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

CISPLATIN - INJECTION

(sis-PLAT-in)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Platinol-AQ

WARNING: Cisplatin may cause severe kidney problems or allergic reactions. Hearing loss (more common in children), bleeding problems, a decrease in your body's ability to fight infections (bone marrow suppression) or severe nausea and vomiting may occur as well. The risk of these problems increases as the dose or total amount of cisplatin used over time increases. Patients with kidney disease should not use cisplatin. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: change in amount of urine, rash, breathing trouble, swelling of the face, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing loss, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual fatigue, signs of infection such as fever or persistent sore throat, nausea or vomiting.

Uses

Cisplatin is one of a group of drugs known as "alkylating agents"; these drugs are also known as cancer drugs, chemotherapy, antineoplastics or "chemo". They are used in the treatment of various cancers to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. A combination of different types of cancer drugs will often be used to achieve better results and minimize side effects.

How To Use

This is a potent medication. Use it exactly as prescribed. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience pain, burning or redness at the place where injected. If this medication contacts your skin, immediately and completely wash skin with soap and water. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. This helps your kidneys to remove the drug from your body and avoid some of the side effects.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are common side effects. Nausea and vomiting can be quite severe. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary 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. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: fever, chills, painful or difficult urination, blurred vision, dizziness, fainting, trouble walking, easy bruising or bleeding, black, tarry stools, blood in urine or stools, bloody vomit, stomach pain, diarrhea, joint pain, swollen feet or lower legs, sores in mouth or on lips, small red spots on the skin, cough, shortness of breath, lower back or side pain, tiredness or weakness, loss of balance, ringing in ears, hearing trouble, fast heartbeat, swelling of face, wheezing, numbness or tingling in fingers or toes, loss of reflexes, loss of taste, confusion, agitation, change in ability to see colors. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

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. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: blood disorders, hearing problems, any allergies. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the effects on the kidneys and blood cells. Cisplatin is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this medication. This medication may pass into breast milk. Because cisplatin is a powerful drug, breast-feeding while using this medication should be avoided. Because this medication can affect the production of sperm in men, a reliable form of birth control is recommended while taking this medication.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may use, especially: phenytoin, furosemide, bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, aminoglycosides antibiotics (including neomycin). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, deafness.

Notes

This medication can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, sore throat, rash, or chills. Avoid touching your eyes or inside your nose without first washing your hands. Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine. Regular doctor visits are important. Frequent blood tests will be done to monitor therapy.

Missed Dose

Do not double dose if missed. Contact your doctor.

Storage

Store at room temperature 59 to 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C). Do not refrigerate. Protect unopened vial from light. Medication remaining in vial after first use is stable for 28 days protected from light or for 7 days under fluorescent light.

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).