Platinol

Platinol is used along with other cancer medications to treat bladder cancer, testicular cancer, or ovarian cancer.

Platinol may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Platinol can impact your nervous system, raise your chances of bleeding or infection, or damage your kidneys.

Contact your doctor if you experience a fever, mouth sores, cough, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, problems with hearing, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, little or no urination, swelling or quick weight gain, or shortness of breath.

You should not be treated with Platinol if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• prior treatment with Platinol;
• hearing or vision problems;
• bone marrow suppression;
• kidney disease;
• peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome;
• radiation treatment to your brain;
• liver disease; or
• if you have had a severe allergic reaction to similar cancer drugs such as carboplatin or oxaliplatin.

A child treated with Platinol may need a hearing test before receiving the first dose.

Using Platinol may increase your risk of developing leukemia. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.

Platinol can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using Platinol.

• If you are a woman, do not use Platinol if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 14 months after your last dose.
• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 11 months after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using Platinol.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because Platinol can harm an unborn baby.

You should not breastfeed while using Platinol.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; fast heartbeats, feeling light-headed; wheezing, trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You may have a severe allergic reaction within minutes after receiving a Platinol injection. Your caregivers will treat you quickly if this happens.

Platinol may lead to serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• severe or ongoing nausea and vomiting;
• vision problems, pain behind your eyes;
• hearing issues, ringing in your ears;
• pain, redness, swelling, or skin changes at the injection site;
• bone marrow suppression--dizziness, pale lips or fingernail beds, fast heart rate, getting easily tired or short of breath;
• kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;
• low white blood cell counts--fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing; or
• nervous system problems--decreased muscle reflexes, numbness and tingling or burning pain in your hands or feet.

Nervous system problems may occur up to several weeks after you receive Platinol, and these effects may not go away. Talk to your doctor if you are worried about this risk.

Nervous system problems may happen more often in older adults.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or stopped permanently if you experience certain side effects.

Common side effects of Platinol may include:

• hearing problems;
• kidney problems;
• numbness or tingling;
• nausea, vomiting; or
• bone marrow suppression.

This is not a full list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Platinol is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Platinol is sometimes given for 5 days in a row, or once every 3 to 4 weeks. How often and how many times you receive this medicine will depend on the type of cancer you have.

You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects or an allergic reaction. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when Platinol is injected.

Platinol can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

Platinol can harm your kidneys. Drink plenty of fluids each day to keep your kidneys working properly.

Call your doctor if you miss an appointment for your Platinol.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include feeling tired or short of breath, vomiting, pain or numbness, liver or kidney failure, or hearing loss.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor right away if you notice signs of infection.

Avoid activities that may raise your risk of bleeding or injury. Be extra careful to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Platinol can damage your kidneys, particularly if you also take certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, preventing organ transplant rejection, bowel issues, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Other medications may influence how Platinol works, including both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any new medicines you begin or stop using.