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Author Details
Written By
P. Thirumal Reddy
B. Pharm
Reviewed By
Dr. Tejashwin Adiga
MBBS
Last updated : 31 Mar 2026 | 09:31 AM (IST)
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Quick Summary
CISPLATIN
Last updated on 31 Mar 2026 | 09:31 AM (IST)
CISPLATIN
Background and Date of approval CISPLATIN
The U.S. FDA approved Cisplatin as an anticancer medication to treat a certain type of cancer on 19th December 1978.
Uses of CISPLATIN
Cisplatin is used to treat testicular tumours, ovarian tumours, bladder tumours, lung cancer, cervical cancer, and head and neck epithelial tumours. This medicine can prevent the proliferation of cancer cells and control cell division, which ultimately leads to cell death.
How is CISPLATIN administered?
Cisplatin injection is administered as an intravenous infusion into the vein. If this injection is recommended for you, it will be given by a healthcare professional. Do not self-administer. Your physician will choose the dosage and administration frequency based on the medical condition because it differs for each person.
Side Effects of CISPLATIN
The most common side effects of cisplatin are blood clots in the vein, fast, irregular, or slow heartbeats, sepsis, a decrease in bone marrow function, decrease in the number of WBC, RBC, platelets (thrombocytopenia) sodium in the blood, high temperature, vomiting.
Some serious complications are allergic reactions, neuropathy, kidney problems, severe chest pain, pain or swelling at the injection site, confusion, slurry speech, paralysis, and stroke.
Warnings
Inform your doctor if you have any symptoms of nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) and if you have had any radiotherapy to the head. Notify your doctor if you have hypersensitivity, myelosuppression (lower number of blood cells), or hearing difficulties. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because this may cause harm to the unborn baby. If you are breastfeeding, it has stopped immediately. Consult a doctor for more information.
Precautions
Report to your doctor immediately if you plan to take the live vaccine, including yellow fever vaccine and other medications, before starting with Cisplatin because it might reduce the effectiveness of this medicine and may cause side effects. You need regular blood tests to monitor your liver and kidney function while taking this medicine. Both men and women use effective birth control during the treatment and at least six months after the last dose of this injection. You are recommended to drink a lot of water for 24 hours after receiving cisplatin to prevent or lessen kidney issues.
Word of Advice
Store at a temperature below 25˚C. Do not refrigerate. Keep the vials away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children. Get suggestions about fertility concerns from your doctor and discuss them since, in men, this medicine can cause permanent infertility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.
How does Cisplatin work?
Cisplatin works by stopping the growth and division of cancer cells. It does this by binding to the DNA in the cancer cells and preventing them from replicating.
Q2.
How long does Cisplatin treatment last?
The length of Cisplatin treatment can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer being treated and the individual's response to the treatment. Treatment may last several weeks or months and may be given in cycles.
Q3.
How is Cisplatin dosage determined?
Cisplatin dosage is based on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer being treated, the individual's overall health, and their response to the treatment.
Q4.
Why do I feel numbness and tingling while taking Cisplatin?
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet are common side effects of Cisplatin treatment. This is known as peripheral neuropathy and is caused by damage to the nerves that control feeling and movement in the hands and feet. Cisplatin can damage these nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the hands and feet. If you are experiencing this while taking this treatment, it is important to inform your doctor. They may adjust your dosage or recommend other treatments to help manage your symptoms.
Q5.
What are things I should inform you before starting treatment with Cisplatin?
Before starting treatment with cisplatin, it is important to inform your healthcare provider of any medical conditions you have, such as kidney disease, hearing loss, or nerve damage, as well as any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are currently taking. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dosage or monitor you more closely during treatment to prevent complications.
References
- Hospira UK Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Dec 2022] [Accessed on 31st March 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3788.pdf
- Edward Chu, Cancer Chemotherapy, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 948-976.
- KD Tripathi, Anticancer Drugs, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 915-936.
Disclaimer
The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.
