Cisplatin is a colorless fluid mostly given to cure testicular, bladder, lung, esophagus and ovarian cancer. This drug is introduced intravenously or as a drip to a day patient. Cisplatin could be given by two routes viz.

1. By inserting a cannula in the vein at the back of the arm
2. By inserting a thin tube in the vein either at the collarbone line between the neck and shoulder or at the PICC Line on the arm

How is Cisplatin Chemotherapy Given?

Cisplatin drug could be administered to the patient either  individually or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. The administration  of cisplatin could take up to eight hours. When given along with other chemotherapy medicines, doctors strictly follow a regimen for giving the dose. The patients must clearly ask their doctor and nurse beforehand about the plan and schedule of medication. Patients may also be given the antiemetic or anti-sickness drugs before giving cisplatin. This could be either passed through the cannula or chemotherapy infusion can be carried out intravenously.

Cisplatin Chemotherapy and Its Side Effect

Different patients show different reaction or response to cisplatin.Some people are unaffected while other show strong reactions. Certain side effects during chemotherapy are bound to occurand therefore one should not be frightened if they face few irregularities while undergoing chemotherapy. These side effects do not last long and subside once the treatment is over.

Some Common Symptoms of Cisplatin Chemotherapy are:

1. Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting could occur immediately after the intake of cisplatin . This could reduce if the patient is given an antiemetic or anti-sickness drug
2. Numbness or tingling in hand and feet: Cisplatin may also affect the  nerves thereby causing peripheral neuropathy. People might face little difficulty in carrying out routine work especially one that involves motor coordination. Numbness and tingling eventually disappears once the treatment is over
3. Changes in hearing: One’s hearing ability may get  affected and could be slightly impaired when predisposed to cisplatin drug.

Cisplatin is an old drug used in chemotherapy and as all chemotherapy drugs are toxic in nature, it is bound to cause certain side effects. Use of this drug too may  show some side effects but one must not get stressed as these reactions disappear once the treatment is over.