Carboplatin - Benefits, dosage and side effects

2023 Author: Autumn Gilbert | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 07:39

Carboplatin is a drug to treat cancer, such as advanced ovarian cancer or small cell lung cancer. This drug belongs to chemotherapy drugs that contain platinum

Carboplatin will slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. This medicine will be administered in the hospital by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.

Carboplatin trademarks: Actoplatin, Carboplatin, Carbofon, DBL Carboplatin, Fuplatin, Kemobotin, Kemocarb, Sanbeplatin

What is Carboplatin

Class	Prescription drugs
Categories	Chemotherapy or anticancer drugs
Benefits	Treatment of certain cancers, such as ovarian cancer
Used by	Adults and children
Carboplatin for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers	Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Carboplatin is not known whether it can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Medicine Form	Injectable fluids or IV fluids

Warning Before Using Carboplatin

Carboplatin is a drug that can only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before using carboplatin:

Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. This carboplatin should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug or to oxaliplatin or cisplatin.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, electrolyte disturbances, weakened immune system, or bone marrow disease, including those that cause anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
Tell your doctor that you are being treated with carboplatin before undergoing certain medical procedures or surgery.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. This medicine should not be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers. Use effective contraception during treatment with carboplatin up to 6 months after the last dose.
As much as possible, avoid close contact with people with infectious diseases that are easily transmitted, such as the flu, during treatment with carboplatin, because it can increase your risk of contracting it.
Consult your doctor if you plan to vaccinate while undergoing treatment with carboplatin.
See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug, serious side effects, or an overdose, after taking carboplatin.

Dosage and Rules for Use of Carboplatin

The dose of carboplatin given by the doctor depends on the patient's condition, body surface area (LPT), and the patient's body response to therapy. Carboplatin will be given by injection into a vein (intravenous/IV).

In general, the following will describe the dose of carboplatin according to conditions and body surface area:

Condition: Advanced ovarian cancer or small cell lung cancer

Adults: For adult patients who have never received previous treatment, the dose is 400 mg/m² LPT (body surface area), given by IV infusion over 15–60 minutes. The injection was repeated after 4 weeks or until the neutrophil level was 2,000 cells/mm³ and the platelet level was 100,000 cells/mm^{3blood. Meanwhile, for adult patients who have previously been treated with myelosuppressive therapy or patients with poor performance status, the dose is 300–320 mg/m² LPT.}

Condition: Solid tumor

Children: 300–600 mg/m²LPT every 4 weeks.

Condition: Brain tumor

Children: 175 mg/m²LPT weekly for 4 weeks, followed by a recovery period of 2 weeks.

Condition: Bone sarcoma or soft tissue sarcoma

Children: 400 mg/m²LPT per day for 2 days, every 21 days.

Condition: Preparation before bone marrow transplant

Children: 500 mg/m²LPT per day for 3 days.

Condition: Retinoblastoma

Children: 1–2 ml injected into the subconjunctiva of the eye.

How to Use Carboplatin Correctly

Carboplatin will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. This drug can be given through an IV or injection into a vein (intravenous/IV), into the peritoneal space in the abdomen, or into the subconjunctiva of the eye.

Carboplatin is usually given no more than once every 4 weeks. This is done to ensure that the bone marrow can regenerate and be able to produce the required blood cells.

Drink lots of fluids when taking carboplatin to prevent kidney problems and malaise.

If treatment with carboplatin causes nausea, you should not eat before taking treatment or eat small but frequent meals. If needed, you can contact your doctor to prescribe medication that can reduce nausea.

Before and during treatment with carboplatin, the doctor will ask you to undergo a complete blood count to see your blood cell count, liver function, and kidney function.

Interaction of Carboplatin with Other Drugs

Some drug interactions that can occur if carboplatin is used with certain drugs are:

Decreased effectiveness and increased risk of infection from vaccines.
Increased risk of seizures when used with phenytoin or fosphenytoin
Increased myelosuppressive effect when used with other myelosuppressive agents, such as ciclosporon, aldesleukin, or rituxamab
Increased risk of kidney damage, hearing loss, or impaired balance when used with aminoglycoside antibiotics or diuretics

Side Effects and Dangers of Carboplatin

Here are some side effects that can occur after using carboplatin:

stomach ache
Pain or feeling unwell
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Muscle, joint or bone pain
Hair loss

Tell your doctor if your side effects don't subside or get worse. See a doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as: