Cisplatin

Cisplatin is an injectable prescription medicine used to treat advanced cancers of the bladder, ovaries, and testicles. It is a chemotherapy treatment that helps stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying in the body. Doctors typically prescribe it when these types of cancer have spread or have not responded well to other therapies.

This medicine is given as an injection directly into a vein, usually in treatment cycles that take place every three to four weeks. Because it is injected directly into your bloodstream, you do not need to worry about food affecting how well it is absorbed. However, staying highly hydrated before, during, and after your treatment is one of the most important steps you can take to help protect your body during therapy.

While this medicine is highly effective, it can cause common side effects like severe nausea, vomiting, and a temporary loss of appetite. It is important to watch for more serious symptoms, such as ringing in your ears or a sudden decrease in how much you urinate. If you notice any of these serious signs, you must contact your doctor right away.

Before you begin treatment, you should talk to your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease, hearing difficulties, or low blood cell counts. Do not take this medicine if you have severe kidney problems, pre-existing hearing loss, or severely weakened bone marrow activity.

This medication can interact with certain strong antibiotics and water pills, which can increase the risk of kidney and hearing damage. It is also important to talk to your doctor if you drink alcohol or smoke, as these habits can worsen nausea and dehydration. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals must not receive this medicine, and elderly patients may require closer monitoring by their healthcare team.

Cisplatin helps treat certain types of cancer by slowing or stopping the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells. With regular use as prescribed, it helps control disease progression, reduce tumour-related symptoms, and support better treatment outcomes.

• Helps Control Cancer Growth: By interfering with the division of rapidly growing cancer cells, this medicine helps shrink tumours and slow the progression of the disease.
• Relieves Cancer-Related Symptoms: As tumour growth is controlled, this medicine may help reduce pain, pressure, and discomfort caused by advanced cancers, improving daily comfort.
• Supports Long-Term Disease Management: By helping prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body, this medicine supports ongoing cancer control, improves quality of life, and contributes to better overall treatment outcomes.

• Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
• Cisplatin will be administered in a hospital setting under the supervision of a physician qualified by training and experience to administer cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
• Do not self-administer.

Common Side Effects (Usually mild):

• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Temporary hair thinning or loss
• Loss of appetite or a metallic taste in the mouth
• Feeling unusually tired or weak

Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):

• Signs of kidney damage, such as urinating much less than usual, blood in your urine, or swelling in your legs and ankles
• Hearing changes, such as ringing in your ears, ear pain, or difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
• Signs of infection, including a high fever, chills, severe sore throat, or body aches
• Unusual bruising, nosebleeds, or tiny purple spots on your skin
• Nerve issues, like numbness, tingling, or a 'pins and needles' feeling in your hands and feet
• Allergic reactions, such as a skin rash, hives, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing