Indications and Usage

Cisplatin is FDA approved alone or in combination with other drugs to treat people who have certain types of cancer.

Side effects needing medical attention

If cisplatin accidentally seeps out of the vein into which it is injected, it may damage some tissues and cause scarring. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice redness, pain or swelling at the place of injection. Other side effects needing medical attention: black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stool; cough or hoarseness accompanied by fever or chills; dizziness or faintness (during or shortly after a dose); fast heartbeat (during or shortly after a dose); fever or chills; lower back or side pain accompanied by fever or chills; painful or difficult urination accompanied by fever or chills; pinhead-sized red spots on skin; swelling of face (during or shortly after a dose); unusual bleeding or bruising; wheezing (during or shortly after a dose); joint pain; loss of balance; ringing in ears; swelling of feet or lower legs; trouble hearing; unusual tiredness or weakness; convulsions (seizures); loss of reflexes; loss of taste; numbness or tingling in fingers or toes; trouble walking; nausea and severe vomiting; loss of appetite. Hearing problems and loss of balance are more likely to occur in children, who are usually more sensitive to the effects of cisplatin.  

For information on how to manage the costs of drug therapy, please see Financial Support, or to speak with an Information Specialist, call (800) 955-4572.