The U.S. FDA approved Carboplatin as an anticancer medication to treat certain types of lung and ovarian cancer on 07th April 2003. 

A study found that carboplatin is effective in treating ovarian cancer and other cancers, with a similar activity to cisplatin. It has a different toxicity profile, causing less kidney, nerve, and ear damage. Myelosuppression is the main dose-limiting side effect, especially in older patients or those with kidney problems. 

Carboplatin is used alone or with other drugs to treat ovarian cancer. This medication helps in controlling the spread of cancer.

Carboplatin is an intravenous infusion drug that is injected through the veins. Your physician will choose the dosage and administration frequency based on your medical condition because it differs for each person.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Although all drugs can cause side effects, not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects of carboplatin include:

• Loss of taste
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Hair loss
• Skin rashes & itchiness
• Kidney problems
• Extreme tiredness
• Weakness
• Inflammation in lung tissues
• Tingling or numbness in hands, arms, or legs
• Prickling sensation
• Breathing difficulties

Serious side effects of carboplatin include:

• Decrease in the number of red blood cells (anaemia)
• Allergic reactions
• Abnormal bruising
• Kidney problems (haemolytic-uraemic syndrome)
• Hearing problems
• Signs of infection

• Acute asthma: Do not use during a severe asthma attack; closely monitor asthma patients during treatment.
• Keratoconjunctivitis: Avoid using topical antibiotics for dry eye syndrome to reduce the risk of severe reactions.
• Paracetamol overdose: Use to treat paracetamol poisoning and monitor paracetamol levels for proper treatment.
• Allergic reactions: It may cause severe allergic reactions such as low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and rash; monitor closely during IV administration.
• Hypersensitivity: Do not use if allergic to carboplatin or any of its components.

Carboplatin can cause heart problems, serious irregular heartbeat, heart failure, and bone marrow depression. Inform your doctor about your medical history before starting the treatment. Notify your doctor if you have a history of hypersensitivity and kidney disease. Talk with your doctor if you have recently had a yellow fever vaccination or plan to have one. This drug may cause allergic reactions. Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems and heart-based diseases. If you have any kidney condition, ask your physician to check on you more frequently

Since both men and women may experience temporary or permanent reductions in fertility while being treated with carboplatin, it is advised to discuss any fertility concerns you may have with your doctor. Carboplatin can make you feel dizzy, so avoid driving or handling machines after taking this medication. If you experience any symptoms mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately. 

1. Wagstaff AJ, Ward A, Benfield P, Heel RC. Carboplatin. A preliminary review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties and therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of cancer. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2649354/
2. Hospira UK Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on Oct 2021], [Accessed on 22nd Feb 2023],https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3787.pdf
3. Teva Parenteral Medicines, Inc, U.S Food & Drug Administration FDA, [Revised on Oct 2011,[Accessed on 22nd  Feb 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/077139Orig1s016lbl.pdf
4. Wim J. F. van der Vijgh et.al; Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Carboplatin; [Published online on 09 Nov 2012];[Accessed on 22nd  Feb 2023]; https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003088-199121040-00002

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.