Cisplatin
Say it: sis-PLAT-in
Cisplatin is a platinum chemotherapy medicine that damages the DNA in cancer cells so they cannot grow.
What it is
Cisplatin contains the metal platinum. It binds to DNA and links the strands together. Cancer cells cannot copy themselves and die.
Often used for
- testicular cancer
- ovarian cancer
- bladder cancer
- lung cancer
- head and neck cancer
- cervical cancer
- and some other cancers
How you get it
Cisplatin is given through a vein (IV), usually over 1 to 2 hours, with extra fluids before and after. It is often given every 3 weeks, or once a week with radiation. A visit can take several hours. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Nausea and vomiting, which can last a few days. Take your anti-nausea medicines as your team tells you, even if you feel fine.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Ringing in the ears or trouble hearing. Tell your team right away.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Tell your team, and take care with buttons and hot water.
- Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection and bleeding. Wash your hands often.
- Changes in taste and poor appetite. Try cold foods and small meals.
- Low levels of minerals, like magnesium and potassium. You may need supplements.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
- Vomiting so much you cannot keep fluids down for a day
- Passing much less urine than usual
- New hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Muscle cramps, twitching, or a fast or uneven heartbeat
- Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a racing heart
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have kidney problems
- If you have hearing loss
- If you have numbness or tingling already
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- Cisplatin can harm the kidneys. You will get fluids with each dose and have blood tests to check your kidneys.
- It can cause hearing loss. Your team may check your hearing.
- You will have blood tests for your blood counts and minerals.
- It can cause strong nausea, so you get several medicines to prevent it.
- It can harm an unborn baby and may affect fertility.
Questions to ask
- How much should I drink at home after treatment?
- Which anti-nausea medicines should I take, and when?
- Will my hearing be checked?
- What should I do if I cannot keep fluids down?
Part of these treatment plans
- BEP
- Carboplatin and etoposide
- Carboplatin, pemetrexed and pembrolizumab
- Cisplatin with radiation
- Dose-dense MVAC
- Gemcitabine and cisplatin
- R-DHAP
- VIP
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Appetite loss and weight loss
- Taste changes
- Low white blood cells and infection risk
- Low platelets and bleeding
- Neuropathy (numbness and tingling)
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Cisplatin?
- Cisplatin is a platinum chemotherapy medicine that damages the DNA in cancer cells so they cannot grow.
- What is Cisplatin used for?
- testicular cancer; ovarian cancer; bladder cancer; lung cancer; head and neck cancer; cervical cancer; and some other cancers.
- How is Cisplatin given?
- Cisplatin is given through a vein (IV), usually over 1 to 2 hours, with extra fluids before and after. It is often given every 3 weeks, or once a week with radiation. A visit can take several hours. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Cisplatin?
- Nausea and vomiting, which can last a few days. Feeling tired. Ringing in the ears or trouble hearing. Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Low blood counts, which raise your risk of infection and bleeding. Changes in taste and poor appetite. Low levels of minerals, like magnesium and potassium.
- When should I call my care team while taking Cisplatin?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; Vomiting so much you cannot keep fluids down for a day; Passing much less urine than usual; New hearing loss or ringing in the ears; Muscle cramps, twitching, or a fast or uneven heartbeat; Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a racing heart.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Cisplatin?
- BEP, Carboplatin and etoposide, Carboplatin, pemetrexed and pembrolizumab, Cisplatin with radiation, Dose-dense MVAC, Gemcitabine and cisplatin, R-DHAP, VIP.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.