Cisplatin belongs to a class of medications called alkylating agents. It stops cells from replicating and dividing by interfering with their nucleic acid function. This kills cells and inhibits the growth of malignant tumours. Cisplatin is therefore used to treat multiple types of cancers, for example, metastatic ovarian or testicular cancer (a tumour that has spread to other parts of the body) and advanced (late-stage) bladder cancer. It may be used alone or together with other anticancer medications, such as Fluorouracil, to kill cancer cells.
Cisplatin is injected into a vein via a drip as directed by your doctor. This process requires many hours, and you will need to rest in the hospital ward or clinic when you are on the medicine drip. Before you start using Cisplatin, you may be given fluid drips to make you pass more urine. This may continue for another day after the treatment. You may also be given other medicines beforehand to prevent or lessen the side effects of Cisplatin. The dosage of Cisplatin is calculated by your doctor based on your total body surface area. Your doctor will advise you on the dosage and frequency depending on your condition.
Metastatic ovarian cancer
Adult
As monotherapy: 100 mg per m2 body surface area per cycle as a single dose, given once every 4 weeks.
For combination therapy with Cyclophosphamide: 75-100 mg per m2 body surface area on day 1 of every 4-week cycle.
Metastatic testicular tumours
Adult
20 mg per m2 body surface area daily for 5 days per cycle.
Advanced bladder cancer
Adult
50-70 mg per m2 body surface area per cycle once every 3-4 weeks, depending on prior cancer treatment. A lower initial dose may be used in heavily pre-treated patients.
Common dosing schedule:
Your doctor will advise you on the dosing schedule depending on your condition.
Some common medications Cisplatin may interact with:
Cisplatin may interact with many other medications. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Cisplatin is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Cisplatin in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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