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Brand Names: Platinol (Restricted Access)

Generic Name: cisplatin (Pronunciation: sis PLA tin)

What is cisplatin (Platinol (Restricted Access))?

Cisplatin is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

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

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

What are the possible side effects of cisplatin (Platinol (Restricted Access))?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

hearing problems;
trouble with walking or daily activities;
numbness, tingling, or cold feeling in your hands or feet;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
drowsiness, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting;
swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath;
easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;
severe or ongoing vomiting;
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth, fast or slow heart rate, muscle tightness or contraction, overactive reflexes;
seizure (convulsions);
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
low magnesium (confusion, uneven heart rate, jerking muscle movements, muscle weakness or limp feeling);
low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling); or
low sodium (headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, feeling unsteady, hallucinations, fainting, shallow breathing or breathing that stops).

Less serious side effects may include:

decreased sense of taste;
mild nausea or vomiting;
tired feeling;
temporary hair loss; or
pain, swelling, burning, or irritation around the IV needle.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about cisplatin (Platinol (Restricted Access))?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to cisplatin or similar medications such as carboplatin (Paraplatin) or oxaliplatin (Eloxatin). You should not receive cisplatin if you have severe bleeding or bone marrow suppression.

Before receiving cisplatin, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, or if you have received cisplatin in the past.

Cisplatin can harm your kidneys, and this effect is increased when you also use certain other medicines harmful to the kidneys. Before you receive cisplatin, tell your doctor about all other medications you use. Many other drugs (including some over-the-counter medicines) can be harmful to the kidneys.

Cisplatin can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Call your doctor if you have a serious side effect such as pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, mouth sores, hearing or vision problems, numbness or tingling, feeling short of breath, or muscle weakness.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving cisplatin (Platinol (Restricted Access))?»

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.