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CISplatin

( SIS-pla-tin )
Apparence: Clear liquid mixed into larger bags of fluids

CISplatin

Pronunciation:

SIS-pla-tin

Appearance:

Clear liquid mixed into larger bags of fluids

This handout gives general information about this cancer medication.

You will learn:

  • who to contact for help

  • what the medication is

  • how it is given

  • what to expect while on medication

People Talking

This handout was created by Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) together with patients and their caregivers who have also gone through cancer treatment. It is meant to help support you through your cancer treatment and answer some of your questions.

This information does not replace the advice of your health care team. Always talk to your health care team about your treatment.

 

Who do I contact if I have questions or need help?

 

My cancer health care provider is: _____________________________________________

During the day I should contact: _______________________________________________

Evenings, weekends and holidays: _____________________________________________

 

This page gives general information about this cancer medication.

You will learn:

  • who to contact for help

  • what the medication is

  • how it is given

  • what to expect while on this medication

People Talking

This information was created by Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) together with patients and their caregivers who have also gone through cancer treatment. It is meant to help support you through your cancer treatment and answer some of your questions.

This information does not replace the advice of your health care team. Always talk to your health care team about your treatment.

What is this treatment for?

For treating many types of cancer

What should I do before I start this treatment?

Tell your health care team if you have / had significant medical condition(s), especially if you have / had:

  • kidney problems

  • hearing problems

  • numbness/tingling in hands or feet

  • low salt levels in blood or

  • any allergies.


Remember to:

  • Tell your health care team about all of the other medications you are taking.
     
  • Keep taking other medications that have been prescribed for you, unless you have been told not to by your health care team.

You will have a blood test to check for hepatitis B before starting treatment. See the Hepatitis B and Cancer Medications pamphlet for more information.

How is this treatment given?
  • This drug is given through an IV (injected into a vein). Talk to your health care team about your treatment schedule.

  • If you missed your treatment appointment, talk to your health care team to find out what to do.

Other medications you may be given with this treatment

To Prevent or Treat Nausea and Vomiting

You will be given medications to help prevent nausea (feeling like throwing up) and vomiting (throwing up) before they start.

  • These are called anti-nausea medications and include medications such as ondansetron (Zofran®), granisetron (Kytril®), aprepitant (Emend®) or others.
     
DO this while on treatment
  • DO check with your health care team before getting any vaccinations, surgery, dental work or other medical procedures.

  • DO drink plenty of fluids (unless you have been told otherwise) to prevent kidney problems. Drink at least 6 to 8 cups (2 Litres) of water or other liquids per day on your treatment day and for 1 -2 days afterwards, unless your healthcare team has told you to drink more or less.

  • DO talk to your health care team about your risk of getting other cancers after this treatment.

  • DO tell your health care team about any serious infections that you have now or have had in the past.

DO NOT do this while on treatment

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  • DO NOT use tobacco products (such as smoking cigarettes or vaping) or drink alcohol while on treatment without talking to your health care team first. Smoking and drinking can make side effects worse and make your treatment not work as well.

  • DO NOT take any other medications, such as vitamins, over-the-counter (non-prescription) drugs, or natural health products without checking with your health care team.

  • DO NOT start any complementary or alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or homeopathic medications, without checking with your health care team.

DO this while on treatment

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  • DO check with your health care team before getting any vaccinations, surgery, dental work or other medical procedures.

  • DO drink plenty of fluids (unless you have been told otherwise) to prevent kidney problems. Drink at least 6 to 8 cups (2 Litres) of water or other liquids per day on your treatment day and for 1 -2 days afterwards, unless your healthcare team has told you to drink more or less.

  • DO talk to your health care team about your risk of getting other cancers after this treatment.

  • DO tell your health care team about any serious infections that you have now or have had in the past.

DO NOT do this while on treatment

Stop Icon

  • DO NOT use tobacco products (such as smoking cigarettes or vaping) or drink alcohol while on treatment without talking to your health care team first. Smoking and drinking can make side effects worse and make your treatment not work as well.

  • DO NOT take any other medications, such as vitamins, over-the-counter (non-prescription) drugs, or natural health products without checking with your health care team.

  • DO NOT start any complementary or alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or homeopathic medications, without checking with your health care team.

Will this treatment interact with other medications or natural health products?

Yes, this medication can interact with other medications, vitamins, foods and natural health products. Interactions can make this medication not work as well or cause severe side effects.

Tell your health care team about all of your:

  • prescription and over-the-counter (non-prescription) medications and all other drugs, such as cannabis/marijuana (medical or recreational)
  • natural health products such as vitamins, herbal teas, homeopathic medicines, and other supplements

Check with your health care team before starting or stopping any of them.


If you take lithium or seizure medications (such as phenytoin), your health care team may monitor your blood levels closely and may change your dose.

If you are taking a blood thinner (such as warfarin), your health care team may need extra blood tests and may change your dose.
 

Medication Icon
Talk to your health care team BEFORE taking or using these :
  • Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®) or Aspirin®.
  • Over-the-counter products such as dimenhydrinate (Gravol®
  • Natural health products such as St. John’s Wort
  • Supplements such as vitamin C
  • Grapefruit juice
  • Alcoholic drinks 
  • Tobacco 
  • All other drugs, such as marijuana or cannabis (medical or recreational)
What to do if you feel unwell, have pain, a headache or a fever
  • Always check your temperature to see if you have a fever before taking any medications for fever or pain (such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®)).

    • Fever can be a sign of infection that may need treatment right away.

    • If you take these medications before you check for fever, they may lower your temperature and you may not know you have an infection.

How to check for fever:

Keep a digital (electronic) thermometer at home and take your temperature if you feel hot or unwell (for example, chills, headache, mild pain). 

  • You have a fever if your temperature taken in your mouth (oral temperature) is:

    • 38.3°C (100.9°F) or higher at any time

  •       OR

    • 38.0°C (100.4°F) or higher for at least one hour.

Medication Icon

If you do have a fever: 

  • Try to contact your health care team.  If you are not able to talk to them for advice, you MUST get emergency medical help right away.

  • Ask your health care team for the Fever pamphlet for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

If you do not have a fever but have mild symptoms such as headache or mild pain:

  • Ask your health care team about the right medication for you. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is a safe choice for most people.
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Talk to your health care team before you start taking ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®) or ASA (Aspirin®), as they may increase your chance of bleeding or interact with your cancer treatment.

Important Icon

Talk to your health care team if you already take low dose aspirin for a medical condition (such as a heart problem). It may still be safe to take.

How will this treatment affect sex, pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Talk to your health care team about:

  • How this treatment may affect your sexual health.

  • How this treatment may affect your ability to have a baby, if this applies to you.
     

This treatment may harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care team if you or your partner are pregnant, become pregnant during treatment, or are breastfeeding.

  • If there is any chance you may become pregnant, you and your partner together must use 2 effective forms of birth control at the same time until at least 7 months after your last dose. Talk to your health care team about which birth control options are best for you.
     

  • If you are a patient who can get somebody pregnant, you and your partner together must use 2 effective forms of birth control at the same time until at least 4 months after your last dose. Talk to your health care team about which birth control options are best for you.
     

  • Do not donate sperm while using cisplatin and up to 2 years after the last dose.
     

  • Do not use hormonal birth control (such as birth control pills), unless your health care team told you that they are safe. Talk to your health care team about the safest birth control for you.
     

  • Do not breastfeed while on this treatment and for 1 month after your last dose.

What are the side effects of this treatment?

The following table lists side effects that you may have when getting cisplatin treatment. The table is set up to list the most common side effects first and the least common last. It is unlikely that you will have all of the side effects listed and you may have some that are not listed.

Read over the side effect table so that you know what to look for and when to get help. Refer to this table if you experience any side effects while on cisplatin treatment.


Very Common Side Effects (50 or more out of 100 people)

Side effects and what to do When to contact health care team

Nausea and vomiting

(May be severe)

What to look for?

  • Nausea is feeling like you need to throw up. You may also feel light-headed.
  • You may feel nausea within hours to days after your treatment.
     

What to do?

To help prevent nausea:

  • It is easier to prevent nausea than to treat it once it happens.
  • Take your anti-nausea medication(s) as prescribed, even if you do not feel like throwing up.
  • Drink clear liquids and have small meals. Get fresh air and rest.
  • Do not eat spicy, fried foods or foods with a strong smell.
  • Limit caffeine (like coffee, tea) and avoid alcohol.


If you have nausea or vomiting:

  • Take your rescue (as-needed) anti-nausea medication(s) as prescribed.
  • Ask your health care team for the Nausea & Vomiting pamphlet for more information.
  • Talk to your health care team if:
    • nausea lasts more than 48 hours
    • vomiting lasts more than 24 hours or if it is severe
Talk to your health care team if nausea lasts more than 48 hours or vomiting lasts more than 24 hours or if severe.

 

Common Side Effects (25 to 49 out of 100 people)
Side effects and what to do When to contact health care team

Kidney problems

(May be severe)

Your health care team may check for proteins in your urine (pee) and your kidney function regularly with a blood test.  You may have blood in your urine.

What to look for?

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, feet or other areas of your body.
  • Weight gain that is not normal for you.
  • Pain in your lower back.
  • Muscle twitches and cramps or itchiness that won't go away.
  • Nausea (feeling like you need to throw up) and vomiting.
  • Changes in urination (peeing) such as less urine than usual.
     

What to do?

  • If you have any of these signs, talk to your health care team or go to your closest emergency department.

To prevent kidney infections:

  • Drink at least 6 to 8 cups (2 litres) of water or other liquids per day unless your health care team has told you to drink more or less.
  • When you feel the need to pee, go as soon as possible. Do not wait or hold in the pee.
Get emergency medical help right away.

Hearing problems

(May be severe)

What to look for?

  • You may have ringing in the ears or have hearing loss while you are receiving treatment.
  • This is usually temporary but may be permanent in some rare cases.
     

What to do?

Let your health care team know if you have any of these symptoms. Changes to your medication may be needed.

Talk to your health care team if it does not improve or if it is severe.

Low neutrophils (white blood cells) in the blood (neutropenia)

(May be severe)

When neutrophils are low, you are at risk of getting an infection more easily. Ask your health care team for the Neutropenia (Low white blood cell count) pamphlet for more information.
 

What to look for?

  • If you feel hot or unwell (for example if you have chills or a new cough), you must check your temperature to see if you have a fever.
  • Do not take medications that treat a fever before you take your temperature (for example, Tylenol®, acetaminophen, Advil® or ibuprofen).
  • Do not eat or drink anything hot or cold right before taking your temperature.

You have a fever if your temperature taken in your mouth (oral temperature) is:

  • 38.3°C (100.9°F) or higher at any time

    OR

  • 38.0°C (100.4°F) or higher for at least one hour.
     

What to do?

If your health care team has told you that you have low neutrophils:

  • Wash your hands often to prevent infection.
  • Check with your health care team before getting any vaccines, surgeries, medical procedures or visiting your dentist.
  • Keep a digital thermometer at home so you can easily check for a fever.
     

If you have a fever:

If you have a fever, try to contact your health care team. If you are unable to talk to the team for advice, you must get emergency medical help right away.

 

 

If you have a fever, try to contact your health care team. If you are unable to talk to the team for advice, you MUST get emergency medical help right away.

Low platelets in the blood

(May be severe)

When your platelets are low, you are at risk for bleeding and bruising. Ask your health care team for the Low Platelet Count pamphlet for more information.
 

What to look for?

  • Watch for signs of bleeding:
    • bleeding from your gums
    • unusual or heavy nosebleeds
    • bruising easily or more than normal
    • black coloured stools (poo) or blood in your stools (poo)
    • coughing up red or brown coloured mucus
    • dizziness, constant headache or changes in your vision
    • heavy vaginal bleeding
    • red or pink coloured urine (pee)
       

What to do?

If your health care team has told you that you have low platelets:

  • Tell your pharmacist that your platelet count may be low before taking any prescriptions or over-the-counter medication.
  • Check with your healthcare team before you go to the dentist.
  • Take care of your mouth and use a soft toothbrush.
  • Try to prevent cuts and bruises.
  • Ask your health care team what activities are safe for you.
  • Your treatment may have to be delayed if you have low platelets. Your health care team may recommend a blood transfusion.
     

If you have signs of bleeding:

  • If you have a small bleed, clean the area with soap and water or a saline (saltwater) rinse. Apply pressure for at least 10 minutes.
     

If you have bleeding that does not stop or is severe (very heavy), you must get emergency medical help right away.

Talk to your health care team if you have any signs of bleeding. If you have bleeding that doesn’t stop or is severe (very heavy), you MUST get emergency help right away.

Anemia (low red blood cells)

(May be severe)

What to look for?

  • You may feel more tired or weaker than normal.
  • Pale skin and cold hands and feet.
  • You may feel short of breath, dizzy or lightheaded.

This may occur in days to weeks after your treatment starts.


What to do?

If your health care team has told you that you have anemia (low red blood cells):

  • Rest often and eat well.
  • Light exercise, such as walking may help.
  • You may need medication or a blood transfusion.
  • If it is very bad, your doctor may need to make changes to your treatment regimen.
Talk to your health care team if it does not improve or if it is severe

Neuropathy (Tingling, numb toes or fingers)

(May be severe)

What to look for?

  • Numbness or tingling of your fingers and toes.
  • Sometimes it can be painful and feel like burning sensation, which may be severe.
     

What to do?

  • Talk to your health care team if you have symptoms of neuropathy.
  • Numbness may slowly get better after your treatment ends.

In rare cases, it may continue long after treatment ends. If you continue to have bothersome symptoms, talk to your health care team for advice.

 

 

Talk to your healthcare team, especially if you have trouble doing tasks like doing up buttons writing, moving, or if you have severe pain or numbness.

Too much or too little salt in your body

What to look for?

  • Muscle spasms, cramping, weakness, twitching, or convulsions.
  • Irregular heartbeat, confusion or blood pressure changes.
     

What to do?

Get emergency medical help right away for severe symptoms.

Get emergency medical help right away for severe symptoms.

 

Below are more side effects that are possible with your cisplatin treatment. It is not known how common they are.

Side effects and what to do When to contact health care team

Rash; dry, itchy skin

What to look for?

  • You may have cracked, rough, flaking or peeling areas of the skin.
  • Your skin may look red and feel warm, like a sunburn.
  • Your skin may itch, burn, sting or feel very tender when touched.
  • The rash may be seen in areas where you have had radiation before


What to do?

To prevent and treat dry skin:

  • Use fragrance-free skin moisturizer.
  • Protect your skin from the sun and the cold.
  • Use sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and a SPF of at least 30.
  • Avoid perfumed products and lotions that contain alcohol.
  • Drink 6 to 8 cups of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids each day, unless your health care team has told you to drink more or less.

Rash may be severe in some rare cases and cause your skin to blister or peel. If this happens, get emergency medical help right away.
 

Talk to your health care team if it does not improve or if it is severe.

Fatigue 

What to look for?

  • Feeling of tiredness or low energy that lasts a long time and does not go away with rest or sleep.

What to do?

  • Be active. Aim to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise (you are able to talk comfortably while exercising) on most days.
  • Check with your health care team before starting any new exercise.
  • Pace yourself, do not rush. Put off less important activities. Rest when you need to.
  • Ask family or friends to help you with things like housework, shopping, and child or pet care.
  • Eat well and drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water or other liquids every day (unless your health care team has told you to drink more or less).
  • Avoid driving or using machinery if you are feeling tired.

Ask your health care team for the Fatigue pamphlet for more information. 

Talk to your health care team if it does not improve or if it is severe.

Diarrhea

What to look for?

  • Loose, watery, unformed stool (poo) that may happen days to weeks after you get your treatment.

What to do?

If you have diarrhea:

  • Take anti-diarrhea medication if your health care team prescribed it or told you to take it.
  • Do not eat foods or drinks with artificial sweetener (like chewing gum or ‘diet’ drinks), coffee and alcohol, until your diarrhea has stopped.
  • Eat many small meals and snacks instead of 2 or 3 large meals.
  • Drink at least 6 to 8 cups of liquids each day, unless your health care team has told you to drink more or less.
  • Talk to your health care team if you can’t drink 6 to 8 cups of liquids each day when you have diarrhea. You may need to drink special liquids with salt and sugar, called Oral Rehydration Therapy.
  • Talk to your health care team if your diarrhea does not improve after 24 hours of taking diarrhea medication or if you have diarrhea more than 7 times in one day.
  • Ask your health care team for the Diarrhea pamphlet for more information.
Talk to your health care team if no improvement after 24 hours of taking diarrhea medication or if severe (more than 7 times in one day).

Hiccups

What to look for?

  • You may feel a slight tightening sensation in your chest, abdomen or throat and make a “hic” sound.

What to do?

To help prevent hiccups:

  • Drink clear fluids and avoid large meals.
Talk to your health care team if no improvement or if severe.

Mild joint, muscle pain or cramps 

What to look for?

  • New pain in your muscles or joints, muscle cramps, or feeling achy.
     

What to do?

  • Take pain medication (acetaminophen or opioids such as codeine, morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone) as prescribed.
  • Read the above section: "What should I do if I feel unwell, have pain, a headache or a fever?" before taking acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®) or Aspirin. These medications may hide an infection that needs treatment or they may increase your risk of bleeding.
  • Rest often and try light exercise (such as walking) as it may help.

Ask your health care team for the Pain pamphlet for more information.

Talk to your health care team if it does not improve or if it is severe.

Other rare, but serious side effects are possible with this treatment.

If you have any of the following, talk to your cancer health care team or get emergency medical help right away:

  • Severe headache, sudden loss of vision, speech, or the use of your limb(s)

  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in chest, or belly

  • Pain, swelling and hardening of the vein in an arm or leg

  • Irregular heartbeat, fainting, swelling in legs, ankles or belly

  • Severe rash, itchiness, swollen face, lip or tongue, chest or throat tightness; may occur during or shortly after the drug is given

  • Redness/rash in areas where you’ve previously received radiation

  • Red, itchy, bruised, and/or swollen skin where the injection was given

  • Any burning, stinging or other pain while the drug is being injected

  • Red or purple patches on your skin

  • Sudden start of coughing, breathing problems, or coughing blood

  • Seizures, confusion or hallucinations

  • General weakness that worsens steadily, trouble with balancing yourself

  • Changes in personality

  • Eyes feeling painful, sensitive to light, blurry vision, seeing flashing lights or not able to see colours correctly

  • Red-brown coloured pee or unusually dark pee

  • Yellowish skin or eyes, or pain on the right side of your belly

  • Fingers or toes become cold and/or white patches on the skin (especially when in cold temperatures)

For more information on how to manage your symptoms ask your health care provider, or visit: https://www.cancercareontario.ca/symptoms.

Notes

November 2024 Revised/Updated information sheet

The information set out in the medication information sheets, regimen information sheets, and symptom management information (for patients) contained in the Drug Formulary (the "Formulary") is intended to be used by health professionals and patients for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or side effects of a certain drug, nor should it be used to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for a given condition.

A patient should always consult a healthcare provider if he/she has any questions regarding the information set out in the Formulary. The information in the Formulary is not intended to act as or replace medical advice and should not be relied upon in any such regard. All uses of the Formulary are subject to clinical judgment and actual prescribing patterns may not follow the information provided in the Formulary.