About Cisplatin
Cisplatin is an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug and is classified as an “alkylating agent.” It is used alone or in combination of other medications to slow the growth rate of cancer cells. Usually, Cisplatin is given in the chemotherapy day unit. It plays a pivotal role in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
How to Use Cisplatin
This medication is usually given by injection and the dosage depends on your medical condition, body size and response to the therapy. There’s no pill form of Cisplatin. The amount of drug that you receive depends on many factors like your general health or other health problems, your height and weight, etc.
It is given in the treatment through a thin, short tube put into a vein in your arm or hand. There are long tubes that give drugs directly into a vein in your chest.
Before Using Cisplatin:
You should discuss with your doctor for any medical conditions especially if the following applies to you:
- If you are pregnant or are breast-feeding
- If you are allergic to medicines or other substances
- If you have liver problems
Cisplatin Side Effects
These are the important things to remember about Cisplatin side effects:
Many people may not experience all of the side effects we mention. The side effects are almost reversible and will go away after the treatment is complete.
The common side effects for patients are:
Nausea and vomiting: Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite may occur.
Tiredness and weakness: Feeling very tired is one of the common side effects.
Kidney damage: Kidney problems occur more often in older people.
Hearing problems: Hearing loss is also one of the side-effects especially among children.
Severe allergic reaction: If you experience an allergic reaction to cisplatin injection, you may experience symptoms like itching, reddening of skin, difficulty in breaking, swelling of the face or itching.
It may cause other side effects. If you have any unusual problems while taking the medication, call your doctor.
Other Uses of This Medicine
It is also sometimes used to track neck and head cancer, brain tumors, cancer of the cervix and cancer in nerve cells.
Cisplatin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. You should not share it with other people.