About carboplatin
Platinum-based chemotherapy medicine
Used for
- Treats ovarian cancer and small-cell lung cancer.
- Used for other cancers, including some head and neck cancers.
Usual adult dose
Usually calculated by body surface area or kidney function; dose and schedule depend on cancer and treatment plan.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-determined dose based on body surface area and treatment plan.
Common side effects
- Low blood counts, increasing infection, anemia, or bleeding risk.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Kidney, hearing, or nerve problems.
- Allergic reactions, especially after repeated treatment.
Important warnings
- Given under specialist supervision; blood tests monitor blood counts and kidney function.
- Can cause severe bone marrow suppression and serious infections or bleeding.
- Tell the care team about kidney problems, hearing changes, or prior platinum allergies.
- Can harm an unborn baby; effective contraception is important during treatment.
Pregnancy
May cause fetal harm. Generally avoided during pregnancy unless specialist assessment determines treatment is necessary.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment; ask the oncology team when it may safely resume.
Interactions
- Other medicines that affect kidneys or hearing may increase toxicity.
- Other medicines that suppress bone marrow may increase low blood counts.
- Live vaccines may be unsafe during chemotherapy.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.