Carboplatin - chemotherapy drug
Carboplatin (pronounced car-bo-pla-tin) is a chemotherapy drug that is given as a treatment for some types of cancer. It is most commonly used for ovarian and lung cancer, but may be used in the treatment of many other types. This information describes carboplatin, how it is given and some of its possible side effects. It should ideally be read with our general information about chemotherapy and about your type of cancer, which give more information and advice.
If you have any further questions you can ask your doctor or nurse at the hospital where you are having your treatment, or speak to one of our cancer support service nurses.
- What carboplatin looks like
- How it is given
- Possible side effects
- Less common side effects
- Additional information
What carboplatin looks like
Carboplatin is a colourless fluid.
How it is given
Carboplatin can be given as a drip (infusion) through a fine tube (cannula) inserted into a vein. It may also be given through a central line, which is inserted under the skin into a vein near the collarbone, or into a PICC line, which is inserted into a vein in the crook of the arm.
Possible side effects
Each person’s reaction to chemotherapy is different. Some people have very few side effects, while others may experience more. The side effects described here will not affect everyone who is given carboplatin, and may be different if you are having more than one chemotherapy drug.
We have outlined the most common and less common side effects, so that you can be aware of them if they occur. However, we have not included those that are very rare and therefore extremely unlikely to affect you. If you notice any effects which you think may be due to the drug but which are not listed in this information, please discuss them with your doctor or chemotherapy nurse.
Lowered resistance to infection Carboplatin can reduce the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection. This effect can begin seven days after treatment has been given, and your resistance to infection usually reaches its lowest point 10–14 days after chemotherapy. Your blood cells will then increase steadily, and will usually have returned to normal levels before your next course of chemotherapy.
Contact your doctor or the hospital straightaway if:
- Your temperature goes above 38ºC (100.5ºF)
- You suddenly feel unwell (even with a normal temperature).
You will have a blood test before having more chemotherapy to make sure that your cells have recovered. Occasionally it may be necessary to delay your treatment if the number of blood cells (the blood count) is still low.
Bruising or bleeding Carboplatin can reduce the production of platelets (which help the blood to clot). Let your doctor know if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, blood spots or rashes on the skin, and bleeding gums.
Anaemia (low number of red blood cells) While having treatment with carboplatin you may become anaemic. This may make you feel tired and breathless. You may need to have a transfusion of blood if the number of red blood cells becomes too low.
Feeling sick (nausea) and vomiting These side effects may begin after the treatment is given and last for up to a day. Your doctor can now prescribe very effective anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. However if the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs that may be more effective.
Loss of appetite A dietitian or specialist nurse at your hospital can give advice and tips on boosting appetite, coping with eating difficulties and maintaining weight.
Tiredness and feeling weak You may feel very tired. It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.
Less common side effects
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet This is known as peripheral neuropathy and is due to the effect of carboplatin on nerves. It is very rare if you receive usual doses of the drug, but it may happen if you have very high-dose treatment. You may also notice that you have difficulty doing up buttons or similar fiddly tasks. Tell your doctor if you notice any numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. This side effect usually reduces slowly a few months after the treatment ends.
Changes in hearing Again, this is very rare if you have standard doses of the drug, but if you have high-dose treatment you may get ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and you may lose the ability to hear some high-pitched sounds. Again, this side effect usually decreases when the treatment ends. Let your doctor know if you notice any loss of hearing or tinnitus.
Diarrhoea This can usually be controlled with medicine but tell your doctor if it is severe or if it continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea.
Sore mouth and ulcers Your mouth may become sore, or you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help to reduce the risk of this happening. Tell your nurse or doctor if you have any of these problems, as special mouthwashes and medicines, to prevent or clear infection, can be prescribed.
Taste changes You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will usually come back after the treatment finishes.
Your kidneys may be temporarily affected This is unlikely to cause any symptoms. Your kidney function may be checked by your doctor, using blood or urine tests.
Hair loss Hair loss is extremely rare if you have normal doses of carboplatin, but may happen to some patients who have high-dose treatment. If you do lose your hair, it usually begins about 3–4 weeks after starting treatment, although it may occur earlier. It is temporary, and your hair will start to regrow once the treatment ends.
Additional information
Other medicines Some other medicines can be harmful to take when you are having chemotherapy. Let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, including non-prescribed drugs such as complementary therapies and herbal drugs.
Fertility Your ability to become pregnant or father a child may be affected by taking this drug. It is important to discuss fertility with your doctor before starting treatment.
Contraception It is not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while taking carboplatin, as the developing foetus may be harmed. It is necessary to use effective contraception while taking this drug, and for at least a few months afterwards. Again, discuss this with your doctor.
