| There are quite a few side effects for
cisplatin, yet despite these side effects, many doctors and patients
continue its use. However, for some these side effects will cause
conflicts due to other medications or comorbid conditions while
others choose to not use cisplatin in favor of newer medications
which have fewer and less severe side effects. Its widespread
use is due to it effectiveness in treating certain types of cancer,
so the benefits outweigh the detractions in certain cases. Also,
since cisplatin has well-known and widely documented effects and
side-effects, it can be used as a base treatment to provide consistent
care for the patient while testing the effectiveness and side
effects of another drug.
The following are some side effects of cisplatin:
- Nephrotoxicity - causes damage to the kidneys
- Neurotoxicity - causes damage to the nerves
- Nausea and vomiting - one of the most likely to cause severe
nausea and vomiting
- Ototoxicity - hearing loss which is currently not treatable
- Alopecia - hair loss, not a common side effect
- Electrolyte imbalance - causes various problems with cell
operation
- Decrease of blood cells in bone marrow
- Changes in how food tastes
- Frequent diarrhea
- Numbness in the extremeties
- Extreme fatigue
The side effects are generally reversible and will subside when
treatment ends.
Research into
Cisplatin and its function
|