Cisplatin vaccine: A help in the fight against cancer! Let's learn about this

We all know that fighting cancer is not easy. One of the main drugs that will help you in this difficult journey is called Cisplatin. Maybe your doctor or nurse has told you about this drug, or maybe you are looking into it. So, today we will talk about what Cisplatin is, what it actually does, and what we need to be careful about. Don't be afraid, let's explain everything in simple terms.

What is Cisplatin? Simply put...

Consider, Cisplatin is a powerful drug that helps kill cancer cells. It belongs to a class of drugs called chemotherapy. The main function of this drug is to target rapidly dividing cells, especially cancer cells, and stop their growth and destroy them.

This medicine is used to treat various types of cancer. For example:

• Bladder cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Testicular cancer

This medicine may be available in the market under names like `Platinol` or `Platinol-AQ`. However, the name of the medicine prescribed to you by your doctor is important. This medicine can sometimes be used for other types of cancer as well. You can ask your doctor about it.

What are the things I need to tell the doctor before starting this medication?

Before you start treatment with Cisplatin, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition, as there are certain conditions that require special care when using this medicine.

If you have any of these things, be sure to tell your doctor :

• If you have any vision impairment or eye disease.
• A hearing problem, or a condition where there is a constant ringing in the ears.
• If you have kidney disease.
• If the blood components are low, that is, if the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets is low.
• If you have numbness, tingling, or other nerve disorders in your limbs.
• If you have previously had an allergic reaction to medicines such as cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin, or any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

By telling these things in advance, the doctor can plan the treatment that is most appropriate for you.

How is Cisplatin given to you?

This medicine, called Cisplatin, is given as an infusion into a vein, like saline. This is usually done in a hospital or cancer clinic by a doctor or nurse who has received special training in this. It is not a medicine to be given at home.

Important: This medicine requires special care and supervision when given to young children. Therefore, if you are giving this treatment to a child, please discuss this carefully with your pediatrician and seek advice.

If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, you should immediately call a poison control center or emergency room.

Another thing, this medicine has been prescribed for you only . Therefore, do not share this medicine with anyone else for any reason.

What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?

It is very important to take your medication on time during this treatment. If you are unable to keep your appointment or miss an appointment, call your doctor or medical staff as soon as possible. They will tell you what to do next.

What other interactions may occur with this medicine?

Because cisplatin is a powerful drug, it can interact with some other medications. If this happens, the effects of cisplatin may be reduced or the side effects may increase.

To give a few examples:

• A medicine called foscarnet.
• Some antibiotics , such as amikacin, gentamicin, neomycin, polymyxin B, streptomycin, tobramycin, and vancomycin.

This list is not complete. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements you are taking. It is also important to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other illegal drugs.

Things we need to be especially careful about when taking Cisplatin

You need to be very careful about your health while taking this medicine.

Regular medical checkups

While you are taking this medicine, your doctors will monitor you closely. They will also need to do important blood tests (blood work) regularly. This will check how the medicine is affecting your body and whether there are any side effects.

Feeling unwell

You may feel a little uncomfortable, sore, or tired while taking this medicine. This is normal. This is because chemotherapy drugs affect not only cancer cells, but also healthy cells in our body to some extent. However, do not stop treatment for any reason unless your doctor tells you to stop.If you experience any side effects, tell your doctor about them.

Risk of infection

This medicine may slightly weaken your body's immune system, which may increase your risk of developing infections.

• If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough, or runny nose, tell your doctor immediately.
• Don't go and try to take whatever medicine you feel like on your own.
• Try to stay away from people who are sick as much as possible.

Be careful with painkillers.

Do not take painkillers containing aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless directed by your doctor. These medications can mask symptoms such as fever, making it difficult to diagnose an infection.

Bleeding and bruising

This medicine may increase your risk of bleeding or bruising. Tell your doctor right away if you notice unusual bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in your stools (black), or blood in your urine (red or dark brown).

Oral health

Be very careful when brushing your teeth, flossing, or using toothpicks. This can increase the risk of bleeding gums and infection. If you are going to have any dental work done, be sure to tell your dentist that you are taking Cisplatin.

Pregnancy and childbearing

This is a very important matter.

• Women: You should avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 14 months after stopping the medicine. If you are trying to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
• Men: Do not father a child while taking this medication, and for 11 months after stopping the medication.

This is because Cisplatin can cause serious side effects in the unborn baby. Ask your doctor for more information about this.

Breastfeeding

If you are a nursing mother, do not breastfeed your baby while taking this medicine.

Effects on Fertility

• In some women, this medicine can cause ovarian failure. This means that egg production may decrease or stop. This can affect the ability to have children.
• Some men may experience a decrease in sperm count due to this medication, which can affect their ability to have children.

If you have any concerns about your fertility, talk openly with your doctor about it.

Drink plenty of water.

It is very important to protect your kidneys while taking this medication. Therefore, drink plenty of fluids, especially water, as your doctor tells you to.

Diarrhea

If you have an upset stomach, that is, diarrhea, tell your doctor about it. Don't go to the doctor to get medicine on your own.

What are the possible side effects of Cisplatin?

Like all medications, cisplatin can cause side effects. Not everyone gets them, but it's good to be aware of the possible ones.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately:

If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor or medical staff as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, and tongue.
• Vision changes: Blurred vision, double vision, or other changes.
• Hearing changes: Hearing loss, constant ringing in the ears (ringing of the ears / tinnitus).
• Nausea and vomiting: Severe nausea and vomiting.
• Injection site: Pain, redness, swelling, inflammation.
• Limb problems: Pain, numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation in the limbs.
• Signs of bleeding:
• The stool is black or has blood in it.
• The urine turns red or dark brown.
• Vomiting something like coffee grounds.
• Small red spots (petechiae) appear on the skin.
• Abnormal bleeding from the eyes, gums, and nose.
• Signs of infection: fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain and discomfort when urinating.
• Signs of kidney injury: Difficulty urinating, less urine than usual.
• Signs of anemia: Extreme tiredness, feeling weak, fainting, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.

Usually not a big deal, but if it persists, here are some things to tell your doctor :

These usually go away after a few days, but if they persist or bother you too much, tell your doctor :

• Loss of appetite
• Mouth sores
• Muscle cramps

If you experience any other side effects not on this list, please tell your doctor about them as well.

Where do you keep this medicine?

You don't have to worry about this. Because the drug Cisplatin is given to you either in the hospital or at the cancer clinic, you don't have to take it home or keep it at home.

Some important take-home messages

Okay, so from what we've discussed, I hope you have a good understanding of Cisplatin. Remember, this is a very important and powerful drug that will help you in the fight against cancer.

The most important thing is to be open and honest with your doctor about all your concerns and problems. If you notice any changes, new symptoms, or side effects, tell your doctor right away. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly.

Please remember the information provided, especially regarding pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility. Also, inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications.

This battle with cancer can be challenging. But, you are not alone. Your family, friends, and medical staff are all with you. Don't lose hope. Stay strong. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

` Cisplatin, Cisplatin, cancer medicine, chemotherapy, chemotherapy, cancer side effects, cancer treatment, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer