warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Cisplatin (Platinol)?

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 this medicine.

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.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Cisplatin (Platinol)?

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.

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 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.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Cisplatin (Platinol)?

Use Cisplatin (Platinol) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

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.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Cisplatin (Platinol)?

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