Carboplatin is used to treat cancer of the ovary, lung and some other types of cancer.
It may be used on its own or together with other anti-cancer medicines to kill cancer cells.
Carboplatin is to be given intravenously (into the vein) via a drip. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
This medicine is usually given over 15 minutes or longer. You will need to rest in the hospital ward or clinic while you are on the Carboplatin drip.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
Before the drip is started, you may be given other medicines to prevent or lessen the side effects of this medicine. Carboplatin may be given as tablets or as injections.
The dose of this medicine will be determined by your doctor based on your weight, height and the health of your kidney. Carboplatin is usually not given more frequently than every 4 weeks. This allows your bone marrow to recover and make enough blood cells for your body's need. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to be given this medicine.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any dose.
If you miss an appointment with your doctor, arrange for a replacement appointment as soon as possible.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Alert your doctor if you have severe kidney disease, if your bone marrow is not producing enough blood cells or you are having bleeding problem as Carboplatin may not be suitable for you.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep your appointments with your doctor . You will need to have regular blood tests to check your blood counts as well as your kidney function. Other tests such as hearing tests and blood tests to check your liver may also be arranged. Your doctor may need to adjust the next dose of Carboplatin based on these results. Your doctor will advise you on how often you will need to have these tests.
Carboplatin may cause your vision to be temporarily blurred. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, cramps, loss of strength, change in hearing, ringing in the ears, hair loss, flu like symptoms (such as cough, runny nose), and swelling or pain at injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor immediately if you experience:
- difficulty in breathing, rash, itch, swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, hands or feet, itchy or runny nose, or flushing of the face
- irregular heart rate, muscle weakness
- confusion, tiredness, seizures (fits)
- muscle spasms, depression, hallucination (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- numbness or tingling sensation in the arms or legs
- fever with persistent sore throat or mouth ulcers, unusual bleeding or bruising
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines that may affect your kidneys or hearing such as aminoglycosides, vancomycin, capreomycin, ifosfamide or frusemide
- other anti-cancer medicines that affects blood cell formation in the bone marrow
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
As the storage temperatures are product specific, please check with your healthcare professional on how it should be stored.
Store Carboplatin in its original carton to protect from light.
Keep away from the reach of children.
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