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Cisplatin - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Cisplatin: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is cisplatin?

Cisplatin is a noted drug that is used to treat cancer. This is a generic name sold under a different drug name. The drug is beneficial in treating advanced stages of cancer like bladder cancer, metastatic ovarian cancer,  breast, cervical, and prostate cancers. Primarily cisplatin is administered as an intravenous, and there is no pill form of the drug. The requirement of this drug depends upon an array of factors, and only your doctor will be able to give you the correct dosage of the medication depending upon your needs. Do not self-medicate this drug and only take it under the surveillance of an expert.

What are the uses of cisplatin?

Cisplatin being a chemotherapy drug is used in the treatment of advanced forms of cancer. It is advantageous in curing bladder, ovarian, lung, cervical, head, and neck cancer. Blood tests are conducted before the treatment to ensure the safety level of getting forward with the chemotherapy. Doctors will usually guide you through the treatment plan and make you aware of its pros and cons. It is advisable to take such medication only under expert guidance and not delve into any self-experimentation.

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What are the side effects of cisplatin?

Not everyone is exposed to the side effects of this drug, even though the adverse effects of cisplatin are easily predictable. The effects will gradually wear off after the treatment is completed. Talk to your doctor if you find no relief from the symptoms. 

The side effects are recorded as;

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Low blood counts
  • Blood test abnormalities 
  • Kidney toxicity.

The rare effects of the drug are;

  • Loss of appetite
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Hair loss
  • Taste changes.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Cisplatin

1. How long does Cisplatin stay in your system?

The answer to this question depends upon several factors, including your age, the usage of other drugs, and the effective functions of your lungs and kidney. In general, the effects of cisplatin stay in your body for about 2-3 days. Note that there might be long-term or short-term effects of the drug later on.

2. Is Cisplatin an alkylating agent?

Cisplatin is categorised as an alkylating agent. This agent is a class of drugs that holds anti-cancer medications underneath it. The drug is effective in slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in the body. It is administered chiefly intravenously or as an infusion by doctors. It is recommended not to self-experiment with this medication due to its potency.

3. Why is paclitaxel given before cisplatin?

The combination of cisplatin and paclitaxel is an effective chemotherapy regimen. However, when cisplatin proceeds paclitaxel, there are chances of neutropenia to occur. To avoid such an occurrence, paclitaxel is given before cisplatin to enhance cancer treatment and better recovery. If you are facing any doubts and queries, then talk to your doctor to understand your treatment regimen.

4. How does cisplatin work?

Cisplatin is an effective anti-cancer drug. It falls under the alkylating agent and works by damaging DNA and the synthesis of DNA. Cisplatin helps stop or slow the growth of cancer cells in your body by working on this DNA. This is a potent drug and should not be used without the guidance of your doctor. In case of any queries, talk to him about your cancer treatment and know about your entire treatment plan.

5. Can cisplatin cause nephrotoxicity?

Cisplatin is an effective anti-cancer treatment that works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in the body. However, a few side effects may accompany the treatment, one of them being neurotoxicity. Few research studies have concluded that it may so happen that the use of cisplatin may cause renal cell death.

6. Can cisplatin cause liver damage?

A few side effects may result in cisplatin-induced treatment like neuropathy, loss of taste, loss of appetite, etc. However, liver damage is not one of the consequences that may result due to this treatment plan. If you are having any difficulties and see abnormalities in your body, notify your doctor immediately to know the real cause of the anomalies.

7. Does cisplatin cause dizziness?

Cisplatin is a potent anti-cancer drug that helps to kill the cancer cells from the body. The drug is usually administered intravenously or as an infusion. Few studies have shown to have vestibular and cochlear toxicity is related to this drug. Also, patients suffering from leukopenia have claimed to experience dizziness after the administration of cisplatin.

8. Is cisplatin strong chemo?

Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug that is amongst one of the most potent anti-cancer drugs available. The effectiveness of this drug may also accompany several side effects that generally cease after the treatment is over. If you continue to face persistent symptoms, talk to your doctor to ease your problems and queries.

9. Why is cisplatin so toxic?

Cisplatin is a potent anti-cancer drug belonging to the alkylating agent class and has a platinum base. The body may succumb to several toxicities due to its potency. This may include neurotoxicity and neurotoxicity. In adverse conditions, cisplatin may also cause renal cell death; however, your doctor will be cautious enough to administer this drug into your system only after doing all the required tests and diagnosis for your safety and best recovery.

10. Will I lose my hair on cisplatin?

All patients may not face similar side effects with this drug. Loss of hair is not one of the adverse conditions that may happen when you take cisplatin. Few patients have reported this problem, but this is minimal and will not cause any significant issue. Also, all the side effects of cisplatin cease after the treatment is over. Talk to your doctor if you continue to face any problems even after the completion of the treatment.

11. How bad is cisplatin?

Cisplatin is a potent anti-cancer drug, and the side effects are toxic for many patients. There may be conditions where nephrotoxicity is caused, leading to renal cell death. Report to your doctor if you see blood in urine, an increase in urine frequency, or any such abnormalities. With proper guidance, you will overcome these anomalies and also cancer.

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Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.