Carboplatin (Paraplatin )

Warning: The FDA has issued a warning for severe blood disorders such as anemia and blood marrow suppression that can occur as a result of long term use of this medication. These disorders can cause infection and bleeding problems. The longer that you use Carboplatin and the higher the dosage, the more likely it is that these complications will develop.

Although it is uncommon, some people may have a severe allergic reaction within minutes of receiving a dose of this medication. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: evidence of infection (fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, unusual tiredness, rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing.

Indication:  Carboplatin is a medication that has been proven effective in the treatment of various types of cancer. It is a drug that is commonly used during chemotherapy and contains platinum. It can be used alone or in tandem with other medications in order to hinder or prevent the growth of cancer cells.

While ovarian cancer is one of the most common types of cancer for which this type of medication can be used, it is also used with breast cancer, testicular cancer, cervical cancer, certain types of lung cancer, cancer in the lining of the uterus, some types of prostate cancer, cancer of the bladder, cancer involving the head or neck, among various other types of cancer.

Dosage:  This medication is most often administered intravenously by a health care professional. It usually takes at least fifteen minutes for this medication to be completely dispensed. Although the dosage can vary depending on body type, size, and the severity and type of medical condition, it is generally not given more than once in a four week period.

Always alert your physician if you have any other medical conditions or allergies such as an allergy to this medication or an allergy to cisplatin. This product may also have some inactive ingredients that can result in an allergic reaction as well.

Overdose: the fact that Carboplatin is administered in hospital, the risk of overdose is greatly reduced; however, it is not impossible. Carboplatin overdose increased the toxic effects of the medication, and cause severe headaches, malaise or life threatening conditions. If you suspect that you are overdosed, contact your health care provider or visit a drug and poison center  near immediately. Any negligence in chemotherapy overdose can lead to death.

Contraindication:   There are certain medical conditions that are contra indicatory to the implementation of this medication. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have decreased bone marrow function or blood cell disorders, kidney problems, or a mineral imbalance or any other health problems.

Interactions:   Because drug interactions can inhibit or vary the effectiveness of certain medications or cause severe physical side effects, it is extremely important that you make your doctor aware of all other medications that you may be taking. The medications that may interact with Carboplatin are nalidixic acid, various anti-seizure medications, aminoglycoside antibiotics, amphotericin B, and certain loop diuretics such as bumetanide, ethancrynic acid, and furosemide, among others.

Side effects:

In addition to stopping the growth of cancer cells, Carboplatin may also interfere with your healthy cells that multiply quickly, and cause adverse effects. Common Carboplatin side effects include:

Although rare, Carboplatine can cause serious side effects which require immediate medical attention; contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:

• dizziness
• fainting (temporary loss of consciousness)
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• painful or difficulty swallowing
• yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• skin disorders such as rash, hives or itching
• Swelling of your arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs.