Paraplatin

Paraplatin is a prescription medication used to treat cancer of the ovaries that has spread to other parts of the body, not improved, or that has worsened after treatment with other medications or radiation therapy. Paraplatin belongs to a group of drugs known as platinum-containing compounds. These works by interfering with the division of rapidly multiplying cells, particularly cancer cells.

Paraplatin comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected over at least 15 minutes intravenously (into a vein) by a healthcare professional in a medical facility. It is usually given once every 4 weeks.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

Paraplatin is a prescription medication used to treat cancer of the ovaries that has spread to other parts of the body, not improved, or that has worsened after treatment with other medications or radiation therapy.

Paraplatin alone:

• 360 mg/m² IV (into the vein) on day 1 every 4 weeks.

Combination therapy with cyclophosphamide:

• In the chemotherapy of advanced ovarian cancer, an effective combination for previously untreated patients is Paraplatin 300 mg/m² IV on day 1 every four weeks for six cycles.

Another approach for determining the starting dose of Paraplatin is based on your kidney function.

Paraplatin Injection should be administered under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Appropriate management of therapy and complications is possible only when adequate treatment facilities are readily available.

Bone marrow suppression is dose related and may be severe, resulting in infection and/or bleeding. Anemia may be cumulative and may require transfusion support. Vomiting is another frequent drug-related side effect.

Anaphylactic-like reactions to Paraplatin Injection have been reported and may occur within minutes of Paraplatin Injection administration. Epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines have been employed to alleviate symptoms.

The most serious side effects of Paraplatin are:

• bleeding and reduced blood cells, including reduced red blood cells (anemia) and platelets (needed for propper blood clotting), which may be severe enough to require blood transfusion. You should tell your doctor right away if you notice any unusual bruising or bleeding, including black tarry stools or blood in the urine.
• infection. Paraplatin can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the risk of infection.
• life-threatening allergic reaction. During and after treatment the doctor or nurse will observe you carefully for signs of allergic reaction.
• kidney and liver problems
• loss of hearing or ringing in the ears

Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of these effects, or notice effects that worry you or are troublesome.

You should avoid contact with adults and children who have infections, and tell your doctor right away if you show signs of infection such as cough, fever, and/or chills. Also, while you are being treated with Paraplatin or after you stop treatment, first check with your doctor before getting any immunizations (vaccinations). Avoid contact with adults or children who have received oral polio vaccine since they can pass the polio virus to you.

Do not take this medication if you:

• are allergic to Paraplatin or to any of its ingredients
• are allergic to cisplatin or other platinum-containing compounds
• have a weakened blood-forming system (bone marrow depression) or significant bleeding
• are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding a baby

Common side effects include the following:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• hair loss and numbness
• tingling
• burning
• pain in the hands or feet

This is not a complete list of this medication’s side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:

• drugs that can decrease kidney function such as
  • acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • aspirin
  • NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen
  • acyclovir
  • aminoglycoside medications
  • certain antibiotics
  • ACEIs such as lisinopril or quinapril
  • statins such as rosuvastatin and simvastatin
  • water pills (diuretic medications)
• aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), or tobramycin (Tobi, Nebcin)

This is not a complete list of Paraplatin drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

This medication falls into category D. It has been shown that use of Paraplatin in pregnant women caused some babies to be born with problems. However, in some serious situations, the benefit of using this medication may be greater than the risk of harm to the baby.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

It is not known if Paraplatin crosses into human milk. Because many medications can cross into human milk and because of the possibility for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants with use of this medication, a choice should be made whether to stop nursing or stop the use of this medication. Your doctor and you will decide if the benefits outweigh the risk of using Paraplatin.

Paraplatin is gentler on the kidneys and stomach than its cousin cisplatin. Patients using Paraplatin generally encounter less nausea and vomiting compared to patients using cisplatin.

The most common, serious side effect of Paraplatin is a decrease in blood counts that may cause you to bruise more easily or weaken your immune system.

Paraplatin is significantly less potent than cisplatin and your pharmacist or physician can convert a smaller dose of cisplatin to Paraplatin to reach the same level of effectiveness.