One of the most common treatments administered to mesothelioma patients is chemotherapy. The doctor may recommend drugs that he thinks will be best for you. Cisplatin is among the most effective drugs that have been in use for cancer treatment for more than thirty years. Often it is used with other drugs as a combination regimen for chemotherapy.
By forming a platinum complex, Cisplatin works effectively to cross-link DNA and cause a systematic death of cells. This treatment is normally administered intravenously in combination with Alimta every twenty-one days in a treatment center or a hospital. The doctor determines how many sessions the patient should undergo as per the reaction to the drugs and its side effects.
The patient will need to take the doctor-recommended B12 supplements prior to the treatment and all through the duration of the treatment cycle. The physician may also recommend steroids in order to minimize some side effects.
A discussion about the side effects of Cisplatin between the patient and his doctor is important. The patient has to disclose to the doctor whatever other drugs he is taking to prevent unnecessary drug interactions. The following are some typical symptoms of Cisplatin:
- Blood test irregularities
- Counts for red and white blood cells are lower
- Diarrhea
- Finger and/or toes become numb
- Kidneys can become toxic
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of weight
- Nausea
- Vomiting
For some patients, these side effects may not occur; and if they do, the degrees of effects vary. It is important to keep proper documentation of both the medications and its side effects for future reference.
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