Carboplatin Prescribing Information

Carboplatin is the generic name for an intravenous prescription chemotherapy medication. Doctors commonly prescribe carboplatin for the treatment of ovarian cancer, but the drug may also be used to treat other types of cancer as well, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Function

• Carboplatin functions by preventing cancerous cells in your ovaries or other parts of your body from growing and eventually leads to the destruction of the cells.

Time Frame

• Doctors typically prescribe the intravenous administration of 360 mg/m2 of carboplatin every four weeks for the treatment of ovarian cancer, for six overall treatments, reports RxList.

Types

• Carboplatin is sometimes prescribed by itself for monotherapy, but in other cases, doctors utilize the drug in combination with cyclophosphamide, another chemotherapy drug. The decision about what type of therapy to use depends on your overall health, the type of tumor, the stage of your cancer and other treatments being used for the disease.

Risks

• Side effects of carboplatin include decreases in white and red blood cells as well blood platelets, nausea, vomiting, nerve pain, electrolyte deficiencies, weakness and hair loss. Serious risks associated with carboplatin include kidney damage, permanent nerve damage, loss of vision, hearing problems and severe allergic reactions, cautions RxList.

Considerations

• Carboplatin poses a risk of fetal harm and is given to pregnant women only when there is no safe alternative to treatment. If you have a history of hearing problems or kidney disease or if you are currently suffering from chicken pox or shingles, it may not be safe for you to be treated with carboplatin, warns the Mayo Clinic.