Trade name

Kemocarb^®

What Carboplatin is and what it is used for?

• Carboplatin, a platinum compound, is an alkylating agent that exerts its anticancer activity by reacting with DNA and interfering with DNA replication and cell division. This stops the growth and spread of cancer cell in the body.
• Carboplatin is used in combination with other anticancer medicines to treat ovarian cancer. Carboplatin may also be used to treat many kinds of cancers, such as lung cancer, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, brain tumors, or sarcomas, as determined by your doctor.

How Carboplatin is given?

• Carboplatin is usually given as an infusion into the vein over 1 hour. The infusion time depends on the treatment plan.

What should I know while receiving Carboplatin?

• An allergic reaction may happen during or shortly after the infusion, causing fever and chills, breathing difficulties, swelling of throat or face, or hives. Tell your nurse right away if you feel unwell during an infusion.
• Do not receive this drug when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Men and women should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the treatment ends.
• Carboplatin may affect fertility. You can talk to your doctor about methods of preserving fertility before treatment starts.
• Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.
• You will have regular blood and urine test to check that you have enough blood cells and have sufficient kidney and liver functions to receive carboplatin. The dose and timing of your treatment may be changed based on the test results or other side effects.
• There are many drugs may affect how carboplatin works. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• The existing health problems may affect the use of carboplatin. You should let your doctor know if you have allergic to platinum-containing medicines or have any other medical problems, especially if you have liver or kidney problems.

Common side effects

• Low red blood cell count

You may look pale and get tired more easily. Let your doctor know if you experience any difficulty breathing or dizziness when changing positions.

• Low red blood cell count

You may look pale and get tired more easily. Let your doctor know if you experience any difficulty breathing or dizziness when changing positions.

• Low platelet count

You may have a higher risk of bleeding. Let your doctor know if you find red or purple dots on the skin, bleeding from the nose or gums, or any bruising or bleeding that you cannot explain.

• Nausea and vomiting

Medicines may be given before the treatment to prevent it happening. Eating and drinking often in small amounts may reduce the discomfort.

• Taste alteration

Foods may taste differently or you may have a metallic taste in the mouth. Taste may return slowly after the treatment has ended.

• Numbness and tingling in fingers or toes

Symptoms may last as long as therapy is continued and may become more severe. In some people, the symptoms will get better after treatment ends, but for some it never goes away completely. Protect areas where sensation is decreased and let your doctor know any unusual feeling you have.

• Loss of appetite

Try to eat in small quantities and have frequent meals. If your appetite does not get any better after a few days, tell your doctor.

• Hair loss

It may begin 2-3 weeks after your first treatment. Your hair will usually grow back after treatment has finished.

• Weakness or fatigue

Try to pace yourself and rest as much as possible. Seek medical advice if fatigue does not go away when you rest and sleep.

• Electrolyte imbalance (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium levels)

Symptoms are different with each salt. You may feel weak or numb, have muscle spasms, or twitch. Your heart may beat fast or blood pressure may change. Your doctor will monitor your electrolyte levels and may prescribe specific electrolytes to be given by intravenous injection or taken by mouth.

Less common side effects

• Diarrhea or constipation

Talk to your doctor and ask for advice. Drinking plenty of water and dietary changes can improve the conditions.

• Hearing problems

Hearing loss and ringing in the ears can happen alone or together. This can affect your quality of life. Tell your doctor if you have any hearing changes during or after treatment.

• Kidney damage

Carboplatin can affect how your kidney works. Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, decreased urination, swelling in the arms and legs, a big weight gain, or pain in lower back. Seek medical help at once if you have any of these signs.

• Changes in liver function

This is usually mild and may return to normal after treatment has ended. Seek medical help right away if you have yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark or brown urine, or pain in abdomen, as these can be signs of liver toxicity.

More Information

• Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day during treatment can help make your recovery a smoother process.
• Alcohol and cigarettes may interfere with certain medicines or worsen side effects from chemotherapy treatment. It is wise to avoid alcohol and cigarette smoking during cancer treatment. If you have any problem about drinking alcohol and smoking, you should check with your doctor.