Cisplastin

There are some new anti-nausea drugs that might help: ask about Emend (not THAT new but still good), a Sancuso patch or Varubi. I used a combo of Sancuso patch and Varubi last time, and they made a big difference. I also saw that a new drug was just approved. So ask his oncologist to switch to something newer and hopefully more powerful.

I had bad constipation too and discovered the best thing for me was to take Miralax twice a day in juice, whether I felt like I needed it or not. 

Hope this helps!

Need to be careful about the:

- Hydration – just before cisplatin infusion make sure your husband receives IV hydration. Very important because of nephrotoxicity (kidney toxic).

- As Laralyn mentioned, Emend is very good for nausea; he’ll still get nausea, but much less than Zofran or other typical drugs;

- need to do audiogram (should have been done prior to the first infusion) because cisplatin is also ototoxic (affects hearing). If usually affects the perception for higher frequency sounds (above 2-3 KHz). In rare cases, it can cause deafness. That’s why a baseline audiogram would help, to have something to compare with.

- it can cause lower blood counts, but not typical.

Some folks had to switch to carboplatin (a similar platin based formulation, but less toxic).

I had some nausea for 5 days after each treatment, but not too bad....the Emend really worked for me.  As for the constipation....that is really common.  I used Smooth Move tea when it got really bad.  I kind of saved it for weekend because it REALLY works, and I didn't want to get caught on the rad table.  During the week I used Sennacot. 

Cisplatin lowers blood counts (that's why they take a person's blood every chance they get)....They gave me Neupegen for my white cells....and I had several transfusions for my red cells.  It's all part of the "trudging" to living a long full life.

p

My husband was given a steriod during the chemo treatment and for three days afterward.  It is called Demethaxone 4 mg on in am and one in pm.  He also has two nausea medications one is Ondansetron 8 mg for nausea as needed and prochlorperazine 10 mg every 6 hrs. as needed. Do not be concerned about calling the Dr. emergency number till you get something else to help your husband.  He shoulld be able to get some help with this.

Prayers and good luck

Margi Greene

St. Charles, MO

I just re-read your post...Neupogen was what was used to help boost my hubby's white cell count.  There are other medications used, but Neupogen is the only one we had to use.

Good luck

Margi

I had 3 cycles of cisplatin 3 weeks apart.  I also has 35 rad treatments done the same time.  I was on zofran (every 6 hours) and Phenergan  (every 4 hours) round the clock.  After receiving the chemo treatment the nurse stuck on Neulasta onpro on my arm.  You feel a little stick and a timer goes off.  About 27 hours after treatment the med is released into your system and you can take off the thingy.   I never had a problem with my white cell count.  I took the Metamucil fiber capsules.  

Joanne