Also Known As: Paraplatin®
Late Effect (1st of 3) (rare)
Hearing loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness
Your risk is greater if:
- You were treated when you were 4 years old or younger.
- You also received radiation to the head or neck.
- You also received other drugs that can cause hearing difficulties (e.g., Gentamicin®, cisplatin, diuretics).
- You have chronic ear infections.
- Your total dose was 360 mg/m².
Recommended Evaluation
- Yearly hearing test for 5 years if you were 10 years or less during treatment, then every 5 years
Management
- Minimize your exposure to loud noise, e.g., listening to loud music.
- If you have hearing loss, you might need a referral to hearing specialist.
- If your hearing loss is significant, you might benefit from speech and language therapy.
Late Effect (2nd of 3) (rare)
- Decreased sensation or tingling in the extremities (peripheral neuropathy) with or without pain
Your risk is greater if:
- You also received vincristine.
- Your total dose was more than 300 mg/m².
Recommended Evaluation
- You should have a neurologic exam yearly until 2-3 years after treatment ends.
Management
- You may need physical therapy.
- You may need to have a prescription for medicines to treat pain related to nerve injury.
- You should discuss safety precautions with your doctor or nurse to prevent accidents and injury if you have decreased sensation in your hands or feet.
Late Effect (3rd of 3) (rare)
Kidney problems (renal toxicity)
Your risk is greater if:
- You also received other drugs, (e.g., ifosfamide, Gentamicin, amphotericin) that can cause kidney problems.
- You also had radiation therapy to the abdomen.
Recommended Evaluation
- Routine blood and urine studies including kidney function studies and electrolytes including magnesium
- Regular physical exams
Management
- You may need to take electrolyte supplements.
- You may need a referral to a kidney specialist (nephrologist) if you develop evidence of serious kidney problems.
