What is the most important information I should know about carboplatin?
Carboplatin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare
provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Serious side effects have been reported with the use of carboplatin including: allergic
reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
kidney damage (little or no urine production, blood in the urine); hearing loss or ringing in the ears;
decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding;
black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, or signs of infection); severe nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, and loss of appetite; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from
treatment with carboplatin.
What is carboplatin?
Carboplatin is an antineoplastic medication. Carboplatin interferes with the growth of cancer
cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Carboplatin is used to treat ovarian cancer and many other types of cancer.
Carboplatin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using carboplatin?
Do not use carboplatin without first talking to your doctor if you have
The use of carboplatin may be dangerous if you have any of the
conditions listed above.
Carboplatin is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that carboplatin is known
to be harmful to an unborn baby.
Do not use carboplatin without first talking to
your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Discuss with your
doctor the appropriate use of
birth control during treatment with carboplatin if necessary.
It is not known whether carboplatin passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding should be
avoided during treatment with carboplatin.
How should I use carboplatin?
Carboplatin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare
provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with carboplatin
depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have
any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.
Adequate hydration is important during treatment with carboplatin. Your doctor may
prescribe the
administration of intravenous fluids and/or recommend additional fluid intake by
mouth during treatment.
Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other
medical evaluations during treatment with carboplatin to monitor progress and side effects.
Your healthcare provider will store carboplatin as directed by the manufacturer. If you are
storing carboplatin at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of carboplatin.
What happens if I overdose?
If for any reason an overdose of carboplatin is suspected, seek emergency medical
attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Symptoms of a carboplatin overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the
medication, although often more severe.
What should I avoid while using carboplatin?
Carboplatin can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to
infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do
not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment
with carboplatin. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with
a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.
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