What is Carboplatin?
Carboplatin is a member of a group of drugs known as platinum-containing substances. Slow or prevent the proliferation of cancerous cells. Adults can use carboplatin in combination with other cancer treatments to treat ovarian carcinoma. Carboplatin can also be used to treat adults with advanced ovarian carcinoma when the cancer has returned after prior chemotherapy and they are receiving palliative treatment (treatments that relieve pain Enhance quality of life during serious illness).
Warnings
You could have an allergic reaction after receiving carboplatin. If this happens, your medical care providers will treat you immediately. Before the injection, you may be given medicine to prevent an allergic response.
You could get an infection or bleed easily. You should call your doctor immediately if you experience unusual bleeding or if there are signs of infection.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to carboplatin or
- Severe bleeding;
- Severe bone marrow suppression
- If you've had an allergic reaction to cancer drugs like oxaliplatin and cisplatin,
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that this medicine will be safe for you:
- If you've recently been exposed or have varicella,
- Shingles (herpes zoster);
- Hearing problems
- Weak immune system (caused either by illness or certain medications);
- If you've received carboplatin before,
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
Carboplatin can harm an unborn child. Use contraception, and inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant.
You should not breastfeed if you are taking this medication.
Similar/related drugs
Keytruda, Avastin, Fluorouracil, Cisplatin, Pembrolizumab, Cyclophosphamide, and Paclitaxel
How to take Carboplatin?
Carboplatin can be injected into a vein over a period of 15 minutes by a healthcare professional. Carboplatin is typically given every four weeks. The dose is based on the body surface area, which includes height and weight. It also takes into account kidney function. If you gain weight, lose weight, or your kidney function changes, then your dose may need to change. If you experience any pain or burning when receiving carboplatin, tell your doctor. Other medications may be prescribed to prevent severe side effects or allergic reactions.
You could get an infection or bleed easily. Your cancer treatment may be delayed due to the need for frequent medical tests You may also be required to have your kidney and liver functions tested.If you need blood transfusions, this may be necessary while receiving carboplatin.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for ovarian cancer:
SINGLE AGENT THERAPEUTICS for the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer:
360 mg/m2 IV every 4 weeks on day 1. (Alternatively, you can calculate the dose using the Calvert formula.) Single intermittent courses are usually not repeated until platelet counts and neutrophil counts have reached at least 10,000.
Combination therapy (with cyclophosphamide) for the treatment of advanced ovarian carcinoma (a combination that is effective for patients who have not been treated previously):
Carboplatin: 300 mg/m2 IV every 4 weeks on the first day for 6 cycles.
Cyclophosphamide, 600 mg/m2 intravenously on the first day of every four weeks for six cycles
The carboplatin should be given intermittently with cyclophosphamide until the neutrophil and platelet counts are at least 2000.
Formula Dosing: A mathematical formula can be used to calculate the initial dose based on the patient's renal function, or renal function plus the desired platelet nadir. Renal excretion represents the main route of drug elimination. This formula compensates for variations in renal function prior to treatment that could otherwise lead to either an underdosing or overdosing of the drug (in patients who have above-average renal function).
CALVERT FORMULA: Total dose (mg) = target AUC x (GFR + 25); Note: The Calvert formula calculates the total dose in mg and not mg/m2.
Comments:
This drug is typically administered via an infusion lasting at least 15 minutes.
No pre- or after-treatment hydration is necessary.
The target AUC range of 4 to 6 mg/ml/min with carboplatin as a single agent appears to be the most appropriate for previously treated patients.
To avoid overdosing and potential toxicity, it is recommended that the carboplatin dose be capped at the desired exposure level (AUC) rather than using the actual GFR.
Uses:
For the first treatment of advanced ovarian cancer in combination with other approved chemotherapy agents. A combination of carboplatin and cyclophosphamide is one established regimen.
For the palliative management of patients with ovarian cancer that is recurrent following prior chemotherapy. This includes patients treated previously with cisplatin.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed your appointment for carboplatin, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
In a medical environment, an overdose is treated immediately.
What should be avoided?
Avoid being around people who are sick. If you notice any signs of an infection, tell your doctor immediately. Consult your doctor prior to receiving any vaccines while you are taking carboplatin or even after stopping treatment. Avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received an orally administered polio vaccination. In the US, the only polio vaccination available is an injection. However, the oral form of the vaccine may still be used in other countries.
Side effects of Carboplatin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or swelling in your throat, get emergency medical attention. Some side effects can occur during the injection. You should tell your doctor if you experience nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, sweating, itching, chest tightness, or backache.
Carboplatin can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Severe or persistent nausea and vomiting
- You may experience numbness in your feet or hands.
- Vision problems
- Hearing problems and ringing sounds in the ears
- Pain, burning, irritation, or changes in the skin where the injection is given
- Signs and symptoms of an infection: fever, chills, a sore throat, body aches, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite or bruising, bleeding, etc.
- Liver disorders: fatigue, nausea, itchiness, dark urine, and clay-coloured stools. Jaundice: yellowing of the skin, eyes, or lips.
- Low blood cell counts: fever, chills, and tiredness; mouth sores or skin sores; easy bruising or bleeding; pale or cold skin, hands, or feet; feeling light-headed or short-of-breath.
- Signs and symptoms of electrolyte depletion: increased thirst or urination; constipation; muscle weakness; leg cramps; numbness, tingling, or numbness in the legs; feeling jittery or fluttering; or a feeling of jitteriness.
Side effects of carboplatin include:
- Low blood cell count
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea;
- Feelings of tingling, burning, or numbness
- Temporary hair loss
- Pain in the hands or feet
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Carboplatin may harm your kidneys if you are also taking certain medications for cancer, infections, osteoporosis, organ rejection, high blood pressure, pain, arthritis, or other conditions (including Advil and Motrin). Inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking. This list does not include all drugs that may interact with carboplatin. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not encompass all possible interactions among medications.
