Drug Notes

Carboplatin (By injection)

Carboplatin (kar-boe-PLA-tin)

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

Brand Name(s):

Amerinet Choice CARBOplatin, CARBOplatin N+ Novaplus, CARBOplatin Novaplus, PremierPro RX CARBOplatin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

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 dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• You may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting.
• Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, 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.

• Some medicines can affect how carboplatin works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other cancer medicines, or if you took cancer medicines in the past (especially cisplatin or other platinum medicines).
• Talk to your doctor before you get a flu shot or other vaccine while you are receiving carboplatin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor 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 may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.

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
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017