Generic name: cisplatin [ sis-PLA-tin ]
Brand names: Platinol, Platinol-AQ, Platinol (Restricted Access), Kemoplat
Dosage forms: intravenous powder for injection (50 mg), intravenous solution (1 mg/mL)
Drug class: Alkylating agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 14, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is cisplatin?

Cisplatin is used together with other cancer drugs to treat bladder cancer, testicular cancer, or ovarian cancer.

Cisplatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Cisplatin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; fast heartbeats, feeling light-headed; wheezing, difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You may have a severe allergic reaction within minutes of receiving a cisplatin injection. Your caregivers will quickly treat you if you if this occurs.

Cisplatin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe or ongoing nausea and vomiting;

• vision problems, pain behind your eyes;

• hearing problems, ringing in your ears;

• pain, redness, swelling, or skin changes where the injection was given;

• bone marrow suppression--dizziness, pale lips or fingernail beds, fast heart rate, getting easily tired or short of breath;

• kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;

• low white blood cell counts--fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing; or

• nervous system problems--decreased muscle reflexes, numbness and tingling or burning pain in your hands or feet.

Nervous system problems may occur up to several weeks after you receive cisplatin, and these effects may not be reversible. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.

Nervous system problems may be more likely in older adults.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects of cisplatin may include:

• hearing problems;

• kidney problems;

• numbness or tingling;

• nausea, vomiting; or

• bone marrow suppression.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Cisplatin can affect your nervous system, increase your risk of bleeding or infection, or harm your kidneys.

Call your doctor if you have a fever, mouth sores, cough, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, hearing problems, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, little or no urinating, swelling or rapid weight gain, or shortness of breath.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with cisplatin if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• prior treatment with cisplatin;

• hearing or vision problems;

• bone marrow suppression;

• kidney disease;

• peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome;

• radiation treatment to your brain;

• liver disease; or

• if you have had a severe allergic reaction to similar cancer drugs such as carboplatin or oxaliplatin.

A child treated with cisplatin may need a hearing test before receiving the first dose.

Using cisplatin may increase your risk of developing leukemia. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.

Cisplatin can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using cisplatin.

• If you are a woman, do not use cisplatin if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 14 months after your last dose.

• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 11 months after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using cisplatin.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because cisplatin can harm an unborn baby.

You should not breastfeed while using cisplatin.

How is cisplatin given?

Cisplatin is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Cisplatin is sometimes given for 5 days in a row, or once every 3 to 4 weeks. How often and how many times you receive cisplatin will depend on the type of cancer you have.

You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects or an allergic reaction. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when cisplatin is injected.

Cisplatin can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

Cisplatin can harm your kidneys. Drink plenty of fluids each day to keep your kidneys working properly.

Cisplatin dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Testicular Cancer:

20 mg/m2 by slow IV infusion daily for 5 days per cycle in combination with other approved chemotherapeutic agents

Comments:
-The dosing presented is manufacturer suggested.
-Other doses and combination regimens have been used.

Use: For advanced testicular cancer

Usual Adult Dose for Ovarian Cancer:

75 to 100 mg/m2 by slow IV infusion once every 3 to 4 weeks on Day 1

Comments:
-The dosing presented is manufacturer suggested.
-Other doses and combination regimens have been used.

Use: For advanced ovarian cancer

Usual Adult Dose for Bladder Cancer:

50 to 70 mg/m2 by slow IV infusion once every 3 to 4 weeks; for heavily pretreated patients, an initial dose of 50 mg/m2 by slow IV infusion once every 4 weeks is recommended

Comments:
-The dosing presented is manufacturer suggested.
-Other doses and combination regimens have been used.

Use: For advanced bladder cancer

Usual Pediatric Dose for Testicular Cancer:

This drug has been used in pediatric patients; however, the manufacturer does not suggest a dose. Institutional protocol should be consulted.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Ovarian Cancer:

This drug has been used in pediatric patients; however, the manufacturer does not suggest a dose. Institutional protocol should be consulted.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Bladder Cancer:

This drug has been used in pediatric patients; however, the manufacturer does not suggest a dose. Institutional protocol should be consulted.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor if you miss an appointment for your cisplatin injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include feeling tired or short of breath, vomiting, pain or numbness, liver or kidney failure, or hearing loss.

What should I avoid while taking cisplatin?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

What other drugs will affect cisplatin?

Cisplatin can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Other drugs may affect cisplatin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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