Download 201, 271, 272 cisplatin and 5-FU

Cisplatin and 5FU chemotherapy 201/271/272 (inpatient)
201 / 271 / 272 (inpatient)
Information on cisplatin and
5 fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy
This leaflet provides information on a course of
chemotherapy treatment known as cisplatin and 5
fluorouracil (5-FU). It will explain what this is and when and
how it will be given. It will also tell you about common side
effects that you may experience. Contact telephone
numbers and details of how to obtain further information are
given at the end of the leaflet.
This leaflet should be read alongside the ‘General
information for patients receiving chemotherapy’ leaflet.
If you haven’t received this leaflet please ask your nurse for
a copy.
What is cisplatin and 5 fluorouracil (5-FU)
chemotherapy?
This is a course of treatment which consists of 2 drugs:
 Cisplatin
 5 fluorouracil (5-FU)
Why am I having this chemotherapy?
Your doctor has prescribed this chemotherapy because it
has been found to be effective in treating your type of
cancer.
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Cisplatin and 5FU chemotherapy 201/271/272 (inpatient)
How often will I have my chemotherapy?
For this treatment to be most effective it will be given at
specific time intervals. These are known as cycles. It is
usual to have a cycle of cisplatin and 5-FU every 3 weeks
for up to 6 cycles. Your doctor will discuss with you the
exact number of cycles you will have.
Will I need to stay in hospital for this treatment?
To receive this treatment you will need to stay in hospital for
5 - 6 days for each cycle of chemotherapy. You will be
admitted to the inpatient chemotherapy unit at Velindre
Cancer Centre.
Will I need any tests before I have my chemotherapy?
You will need a series of blood tests before you start your
chemotherapy. One of these blood tests helps us to check
that your kidneys are working well enough to cope with the
chemotherapy.
How will my treatment be given?
Your chemotherapy is given through a drip into a vein in the
back of your hand or arm. You will remain connected to the
drip during your stay in hospital. The drip will be attached to
a portable stand with wheels so you will be able to move
around the ward area. If you need help a nurse will be
available.
The cisplatin is given on the first day of each cycle. The 5FU is given over the next 4 days.
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Cisplatin and 5FU chemotherapy 201/271/272 (inpatient)
What are the possible side effects?
There are a number of possible side effects which can occur
with this chemotherapy. The doctors, nurses and
pharmacists can give you advice or answer any questions
you may have.
Hair loss
This chemotherapy should not make you lose your hair.
However, a small number of people experience some hair
thinning.
Sickness
Nausea and vomiting are uncommon these days as we will
give you anti-sickness medicines which are usually
extremely effective. If you are sick more than once in 24
hours despite taking regular anti-sickness medicine when
you are at home after your chemotherapy treatment, contact
Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number
is at the end of the leaflet.
Infection
You are at an increased risk of picking up infections
because your white blood cells which help fight infections
can be reduced by this treatment.
If you develop an infection whilst your white blood cells
are low, you are at risk of sepsis, this can be life
threatening.
Contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately if you
develop any signs of infection, for example flu like
symptoms or a temperature above 37.5°centigrade. The
telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
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Cisplatin and 5FU chemotherapy 201/271/272 (inpatient)
Diarrhoea
You may have diarrhoea with this chemotherapy. If this
occurs it is important that you drink plenty of fluids.
Medication is available to control diarrhoea. If you have 4 or
more bowel movements in 24 hours above what is normal
for you please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately.
The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Tiredness and fatigue
Chemotherapy can make you feel more tired than usual. It
is important to listen to your body and rest if you need to, but
carry out your normal activities if you feel able. Some
people find it beneficial to take gentle exercise as well as
taking rest.
Sore mouth
Your mouth may become sore or you may notice small
ulcers. Please follow the advice on caring for your mouth in
the general chemotherapy leaflet. Your doctor may
prescribe mouthwashes or medication to prevent or clear
any infection.
Effect on your kidneys
Cisplatin can affect the way your kidneys work. The blood
test which you have before your chemotherapy will check
how well your kidneys are working at the start of treatment.
We will also monitor you carefully by taking regular blood
tests throughout your treatment.
We always give cisplatin with plenty of fluids in the drip to
reduce the effect on your kidneys. It is also important that
you drink plenty of fluids for at least 2 days after each
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Cisplatin and 5FU chemotherapy 201/271/272 (inpatient)
treatment. We suggest a cup or glass of fluid every hour
during the day and evening.
Other side effects
Cisplatin may damage the nerves of your hands and feet.
You may experience some numbness or changes in
sensation such as tingling or pins and needles. Although
this is very rare it is important that you tell your doctor if this
happens so that we can modify your treatment before this
side effect becomes permanent.
Cisplatin may also damage the nerves responsible for
hearing, although this is rare. If this occurs you may
experience some loss of hearing which may be permanent.
Very rarely people having this chemotherapy experience
heart problems such as angina or palpitations. If you have a
heart condition or you take any heart medication, please tell
your doctor before you start chemotherapy.
Women sometimes find that chemotherapy treatment affects
their periods. They could become heavier, lighter or even
stop altogether.
It is important you do not become pregnant or father a child
whilst having chemotherapy treatment as chemotherapy
could damage the unborn baby.
This chemotherapy can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the
sun. It is best to avoid strong sunlight, wear a hat and use a
sun block.
Sometimes cancer drugs can have very serious side effects
which rarely can be life threatening. It is important to inform
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Cisplatin and 5FU chemotherapy 201/271/272 (inpatient)
Velindre cancer centre if you are concerned about any sideeffects
A diagnosis of cancer can increase your risk of developing a
blood clot (thrombosis), and having cancer treatment may
increase this risk further. It is important to tell your doctor
immediately if you have symptoms such as pain, redness
and swelling in your leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.
Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can
usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood.
Your doctor or nurse can give you more information.
Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets
Velindre leaflets provide information about very common
and common side-effects: for more information regarding
the less common side-effects please refer to the
manufacturers patient information leaflets, obtained from
Velindre pharmacy and/or on the internet at
www.medicines.org.uk. Sometimes patients may find these
leaflets difficult to read however. Please ask if you would like
a copy from your doctor or from Velindre pharmacy
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Cisplatin and 5FU chemotherapy 201/271/272 (inpatient)
Contact telephone numbers
Velindre Cancer Centre
029 2061 5888
Ask for the chemotherapy pager if you are unwell at home
and need immediate attention at any time of the day or
night. For example you should phone if you:
 Are sick more than once in 24 hours
 Have a temperature of 37.5°C or above
 Have diarrhoea
Pharmacy department
029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your
medicines
Tenovus freephone
0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
7 days a week 8am – 8pm for general queries on cancer
This information is also available in Welsh
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Cisplatin and 5FU chemotherapy 201/271/272 (inpatient)
This leaflet was written by health professionals. The
information contained in this leaflet is evidence based.
It has been approved by doctors, nurses and patients. It is
reviewed and updated every 2 years.
Prepared May 2004
Reviewed July 2016
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