Uses
Carboplatin is used to treat various types of cancer. It is a chemotherapy drug that contains platinum. It is used to slow or stop cancer cell growth.
How To Use
Carboplatin is usually given by infusion into a vein (intravenously-IV) over at least 15 minutes by a healthcare professional.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to therapy. In general, courses of carboplatin treatment should not be given more often than once every 4 weeks. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Side Effects
Stomach pain, body aches/pain, diarrhea, constipation, weakness, nausea, and vomiting may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe in some patients but usually go away within 24 hours of treatment. Drug therapy may be needed to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Not eating before your treatment may help relieve vomiting. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- numbness or tingling in the hands/feet
- mouth sores
- yellowing eyes/skin
- dark urine
- unusual tiredness
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)
- pain/swelling/redness at the injection site
- hearing problems (such as ringing in the ears, hearing loss)
- easy bruising/bleeding
- blood in the urine
- black/bloody stools
- fast/irregular heartbeat
Rarely, temporary vision loss may occur with high doses of carboplatin. Normal vision usually returns within several weeks after the end of treatment. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details and report this side effect right away if it occurs.
This medication can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, or chills.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using carboplatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or to cisplatin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- decreased bone marrow function/blood cell disorders (such as anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)
- kidney problems
- mineral imbalance (low blood levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium)
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.
Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured.
Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially to bleeding problems and numbness/tingling of the hands/feet.
Children may be at greater risk for hearing loss when carboplatin is used at higher-than-recommended doses in combination with other medications that may affect hearing.
This medication can affect sperm production in men. Men should use a reliable form of birth control during treatment and for some time afterwards. Consult your doctor for more details.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using carboplatin. Carboplatin may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for some time after the last dose. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
- aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as gentamicin, neomycin)
- amphotericin B
- certain anti-seizure medications (hydantoins such as phenytoin)
- certain "water pills" (loop diuretics such as furosemide, bumetanide)
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts, kidney function, blood mineral levels) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.
Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
