Platinol-AQ is an alkylating agent used mainly to treat cancer of the bladder, ovaries, and testicles. This drug interferes with the growth of cancer cells by causing cell cycle arrest in the G2-phase and then induces programmed cell death or apoptosis.
Normal cells of the body may also be affected by this drug and any symptoms regarding this must be reported to your healthcare professional. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the risks and benefits of this drug before starting treatment.
This drug must only be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your healthcare professional. This drug can also be used to treat cancers of the different form and location.
Before using Platinol-AQ, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. Hearing problems and loss of balance are more likely to occur in children due to increased sensitivity to the effects of cisplatin.
It is still undetermined whether this drug works exactly the same way in younger adults or if this drug can cause different side effects or problems in older people.
Studies have demonstrated a risk to the fetus when taking this drug but this may be outweighed by the benefits of therapy in a life threatening situation or a serious disease. Infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding is still under investigation.
Consult with your healthcare professional before taking this drug while breastfeeding. Taking this drug with other drugs is not recommended. If it cannot be avoided, ask you healthcare provider to change the dose, or advise other precautions.
Drugs such as Rotavirus Vaccine, Adenovirus Vaccine Type 4, Live Adenovirus Vaccine Type 7, Live Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin Vaccine, Doxorubicin, Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome, Furosemide, Influenza Virus Vaccine, Live Measles Virus Vaccine, Live Mumps Virus Vaccine, Live Paclitaxel Poliovirus Vaccine, Rituximab, Rubella Virus Vaccine, Live Smallpox Vaccine, Thioctic Acid, Topotecan, Typhoid Vaccine, Valproic Acid, Varicella Virus Vaccine, Vinorelbine, Yellow Fever Vaccine, Aldesleukin, Docetaxel, Fosphenytoin, Lithium, Phenytoin, Tobramycin, and Warfarin are usually not recommended when taking cisplatin, but may be required in some cases and the dosage must be adjusted by your healthcare provider.
Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with cisplatin is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Inform your doctor of any other current medical problems such as Chickenpox, Herpes zoster, gout or kidney stones, hearing problems, or any infection as this drug may cause these conditions to worsen. Patients with kidney disease may have increased effects of cisplatin due to reduced excretion of the drug.
3 Proper Usage
To use Platinol-AQ properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. This drug is at times used with other drugs for combination therapy. Consult with your healthcare professional for a proper way in taking combination drugs at the right times.
Intake of extra fluids is recommended when taking this drug for faster excretion through the urine and to prevent any kidney problems. Nausea and vomiting are the common side effects of this drug. Consult with your health care professional for ways to lessen these effects.
The dosage of this drug will be different for different patients. Follow the specific instructions on the label of the drug or as advised by your healthcare professional. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.
4 Precautions to Take
In using Platinol-AQ, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. A follow-up medical check-up is needed to make sure that the drug working properly and to allow your healthcare professional to check for any unwanted effects. These effects can be checked using blood tests.
Your body’s resistance may be lowered when taking cisplatin, consult with your healthcare professional before taking any vaccination during or after treatment with this drug to prevent any infection from vaccines.
Also, avoid people who have recently taken oral polio vaccine or those who have been immunized to prevent polio infection. Wear a protective face mask to cover your nose and mouth if you cannot make these precautions.
Unwanted effects such as infection and bleeding can occur by taking this drug. An increased chance of getting an infection can be caused by this drug by temporarily lowering the number of white blood cells in your blood. Platelet number can also be lowered, which are needed for proper blood clotting.
Check with your doctor immediately if you think you are getting an infection or if you get a fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or painful or difficult urination.
When you suspect an infection, if you are experiencing fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, painful or difficult urination, or if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine or stools, or pinpoint red spots on your skin, consult with your healthcare professional immediately.
Toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick should be used with care. Other ways to clean your teeth and gums can be recommended by your healthcare professional. Before having any dental work done, consult with your healthcare professional.
Observe proper hand washing before touching your eyes or the inside of your nose. Be careful when handling sharp tools or objects to prevent any unwanted open wounds which can be an entry of infection. Activities which can cause bruising or injury should be avoided.
Inform your healthcare professional of any skin rash, fever, a cough that won't go away, irregular monthly period, nausea or vomiting, seizures, unusual lumps, or yellow eyes or skin.
Inform your healthcare professional of your other cancer treatments or radiation therapies within the past 4 weeks. Inquire with your healthcare professional about other ways to control the common side effects of this drug such as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Platinol-AQ. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.
Discuss the possible effects of this drug with your healthcare professional such as leukemia that may not occur until months or years after this drug is used.
Consult with your healthcare professional immediately if you experience side effects such as:
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention as these may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the drug. Consult with your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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