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Cisplatin is used in closed treatment. It is used in chemotherapy to fight testicular and cervical cancer. A number of side effects may occur during use. For this reason, we decided to check how cisplatin works.
Cisplatin – application
The main active ingredient of cisplatin is platinum. It is used in chemotherapy during the treatment of:
- testicular cancer;
- cervical cancer;
- bladder cancer;
- squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck;
- non-small cell and small cell lung cancer.
Cisplatin can be used as monotherapy, as well as in combination therapy with other drugs. Due to the side effects that are dangerous to health and life, it is often replaced by carboplatin or oxaliplatin.
Cisplatin – dosage
Cisliptin is administered intravenously by infusion. The dose of the drug depends on the patient’s state of health and the treatment taken. As monotherapy, adults and children can take 50-120 mg / m2 for 3-4 weeks or 15-20 mg / m2. daily for five consecutive days. In combination therapy, the patient gets ≥20 mg / m2. in cycles that span 3-4 weeks. Cisplatin may only be administered to the patient by an experienced oncologist.
Cisplatin – when should you not use it?
Cisplatin must not be administered to patients who develop hypersensitivity to this component. In addition, it cannot be given to people:
- with impaired kidney function;
- dehydrated;
- with impaired hearing;
- with disorders of the nervous system.
Cisplatin – precautions
Before starting the dose of cisplatin, your doctor will check your sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium levels, as well as your blood count. Hearing testing is also recommended. If cisplatin is not injected directly into the blood vessels, treatment will be stopped immediately.
Also read:
- Visit to the oncologist
- Chemotherapy and its effects on the body
Cisplatin – side effects
The most common side effects that accompany cisplatin chemotherapy include:
- diarrhea and vomiting;
- mouth ulceration;
- tingling in arms and legs;
- difficulties with breathing;
- difficulty swallowing;
- frequent bruising and bleeding;
- signs of infection, including high fever;
- severe fatigue.
During the administration of cisplatin, disturbances may occur that will make it difficult to drive a car, which is inadvisable.
Cisplatin – drug interactions
There are a number of restrictions on the use of cisplatin with other drugs:
- in combination with other drugs that suppress the action of the bone marrow, cisplatin will be deleterious to the bone marrow;
- when combined with other cytostatic drugs, cisplatin can lead to hearing impairment;
- in combination with aminoglycosides, the toxicity of cisplatin may increase;
- in combination with medications used for high blood pressure, cisplatin can damage the kidneys.
Cisplatin – pregnancy and breastfeeding
Cisplatin should not be administered to the patient during pregnancy. This also applies to nursing mothers. Women who are taking the drug should use contraception unconditionally, for up to six months after the end of chemotherapy.