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Introduction
of Cisplatin
Cisplatin is chemotherapy that is given as a
treatment for some types of cancer. It is most commonly used
to treat testicular, bladder, lung, gullet, stomach and
ovarian cancers.
Possible side
effects of Cisplatin
Each person’s reaction to chemotherapy is
unique. Some people have very few side effects, while others
may experience more. The side effects described on this
information will not affect everyone who is given cisplatin,
and may be different if you are having more than one
chemotherapy drug.
Nausea and vomiting
There are now very effective anti-sickness drugs to prevent or
greatly reduce nausea and
vomiting.
If they do occur they may begin a few hours after the
treatment is given and last for up to a few days. If the
sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor,
who can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs which may be more
effective.
kidneys may be affected
Usually this does not cause any symptoms, and the effect is
mild, but if the effect is severe the kidneys can be
permanently damaged unless the treatment is stopped. For this
reason your kidneys will be checked by a blood test before
each treatment. Fluid will be given into the vein before and
after the treatment to keep your kidneys working normally. You
may be asked to measure and record what you drink and the
amount of urine that you pass. If you do not pass the same
amount or more urine than you usually do, it is important to
tell your nurse or doctor. If necessary, you may be given
medicine to help you to pass urine.
Lowered resistance to infection Cisplatin can reduce the production of white blood cells by
the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection. This
effect can begin seven days after treatment has been given and
usually reaches its lowest point 10–14 days after
chemotherapy. Your blood cells will then increase steadily and
will usually have returned to normal within 21–28 days.
Contact your doctor or the hospital
straightaway if:
Bruising or bleeding Cisplatin can reduce the production of platelets (which help
the blood to clot). Let your doctor know if you have any
unexplained bruising or bleeding.
Anemia While
having treatment with cisplatin you may become anemic. This
may make you feel tired and breathless.
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
This is due to the effect of cisplatin on nerves and is known
as peripheral neuropathy. You may notice that you have
difficulty doing up buttons or similar fiddly tasks. Tell your
doctor if you notice any numbness or tingling in your hands or
feet. The side effect usually disappears slowly a few months
after the treatment ends.
Changes in hearing
You may have tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and you
may lose the ability to hear some high-pitched sounds. Again,
this effect usually decreases when the treatment ends,
although in a small number of cases it may be permanent. Tell
your doctor if you notice any loss of hearing or tinnitus.
Temporary taste alterations
A dietitian or specialist nurse at your hospital can give
advice about ways of coping with this side effect.
Loss of appetite
The dietitian or specialist nurse can give you tips on
boosting your appetite, coping with eating difficulties and
maintain
weight.
Diarrhoea This
can usually be easily controlled with medicine but let your
doctor know if it is severe or continues. It is important to
drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea.
Allergic reaction
Signs of an allergic reaction include skin rashes and itching,
a high temperature, shivering, redness or darkening of the
face, dizziness, a headache, breathlessness, anxiety and a
need to pass urine. You will be monitored for any signs of an
allergic reaction during the treatment. Tell your doctor or
nurse if you have any of these.
Disclaimer:
Information on this page is provided for general
information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment
decision based on information contained in this page without
consulting other references including the package insert of
the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We
cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in
administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any
erroneous information contained on this page.
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