Uses of Carboplatin

Carboplatin is used to treat advanced ovarian cancer and small cell lung cancer. It is generally used alone or combination with other anti-cancer medicines to achieve better results.

Therapeutic Category

Carboplatin: Anti-cancer agents

How Carboplatin works

Carboplatin is an anticancer medicine. It acts by damaging the genetic material (DNA and RNA) of the cancer cells. This prevents the cancer cells from growing and multiplying within the body.

Common side effects of Carboplatin

• low blood counts (WBC, RBC, and platelets)
• nausea and vomiting
• stomach pain and cramps
• increased urea levels in the blood
• low magnesium, sodium, and potassium levels in the blood
• kidney damage, liver damage
• tingling, burning, pricking sensation or numbness of body parts
• loss of taste
• changes in vision
• decreased bone movements
• ringing in ears, loss of hearing
• chest tightness or wheezing
• diarrhoea or constipation
• sore lips or mouth ulcers
• hair loss
• skin rash or itching
• back pain, joint pain, and muscle pain
• difficulty in urination
• extreme tiredness/weakness (asthenia)

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience signs of low platelet and WBC counts (such as infections, fever, sore throat, abnormal bleeding, and bruising)
• If you experience severe allergic reactions (such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat, itching and chest tightness which can lead to difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
• If you experience signs of tumor lysis syndrome (such as irregular heartbeat, kidney problems or abnormal blood cell count)
• If you experience signs of hemolytic-uremic syndrome (such as kidney damage, bloody urine, difficulty in urination along with extreme tiredness and shortness of breath with low RBC, WBC or platelet counts)
• If you experience signs of hemolytic anemia (such as extreme tiredness and shortness of breath with low RBC count)

Health Tips for Carboplatin

• Follow your doctor's instructions and take Carboplatin exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop taking the medication early, even if you start feeling better, unless instructed by your doctor
• Chemotherapy can cause dehydration, so it's essential to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. However, follow your doctor's recommendations on how much fluid to consume daily
• Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet can help support your immune system and overall health during treatment. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your meals
• Inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking, as certain drugs may interact with Carboplatin and cause adverse effects
• Carboplatin is not recommended for use in pregnant and breast feeding women