Carboplatin (Injection)

Carboplatin (KAR-boe-pla-tin)

Treats cancer of the ovaries, lung, head, and neck. Sometimes used in combination with other medicines.

Brand Name(s):

Paraplatin NovaPlus, Paraplatin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to carboplatin, mannitol, or platinum. You should not receive this medicine if you are pregnant or have bone marrow or bleeding problems.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• Tell your caregiver right away if any of this medicine gets on your skin or in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• You may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using an antibiotic (such as gentamicin, Garamycin®).
• Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are receiving to treat cancer. Also tell your doctor about cancer medicines you have received in the past, especially cisplatin and other platinum medicines.
• Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving carboplatin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, hearing problems, or an infection of any kind. Tell your doctor if you have been around anyone who has chickenpox or any other infections. Stay away from anyone who has recently received an oral polio vaccine.
• This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
• Cancer medicines can cause nausea and/or vomiting in most people, sometimes even after receiving medicines to prevent it. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these side effects.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bloody or black, tarry stools, or blood in your urine
• Changes in vision
• Fever, chills, or cough
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Redness, pain, or swelling where the IV needle is placed
• Ringing in your ears or trouble hearing
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Hair loss
• Mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.