See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Cisplatin
Cisplatin is the generic name for a chemotherapy drug commonly known by its trade name, Platinol [1].
What is Platinol used to treat?
Platinol is used to treat various types of cancer, including testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, and head and neck cancer [1].
How does Platinol work?
Platinol is an alkylating agent that works by interfering with DNA replication in cancer cells. This disruption prevents cancer cells from dividing and growing, ultimately leading to their death [1].
What are the common side effects of Platinol?
Common side effects of Platinol include nausea and vomiting, kidney damage, nerve damage (neuropathy), hearing loss, and bone marrow suppression, which can lead to low blood cell counts [1].
When does the patent for Platinol expire?
As Platinol is an older drug, its primary patents have long expired, allowing for the availability of generic versions [2]. Information on specific patent expiry dates for originator products can be tracked on sites like DrugPatentWatch.com [3].
Are there generic versions of Platinol available?
Yes, due to patent expiries, generic versions of cisplatin are available, which can affect pricing and accessibility [2].
How does cisplatin compare to other platinum-based chemotherapy drugs?
Other platinum-based chemotherapy drugs include carboplatin and oxaliplatin. While they share a similar mechanism of action by damaging DNA, they differ in their side effect profiles and some indications [4]. Carboplatin is generally considered less toxic to the kidneys and nerves than cisplatin but can cause more bone marrow suppression. Oxaliplatin is often used for colorectal cancer and has a different pattern of neurotoxicity [4].