Carboplatin ( KAR-boe-pla-tin) belongs to the group of medicines known as alkylating agents. It is used to treat cancer of the ovaries. It may also be used to treat other kinds of cancer, as determined by your doctor. Carboplatin interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which eventually are destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by carboplatin, other effects also will occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. Before you begin treatment with carboplatin, you and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it. Carboplatin is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These delayed effects may include certain types of cancer, such as leukemia. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur: More common Pain at place of injection Less common Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; cough or hoarseness, accompanied by fever or chills; fever or chills; lower back or side pain, accompanied by fever or chills; numbness or tingling in fingers or toes; painful or difficult urination, accompanied by fever or chills; pinpoint red spots on skin; skin rash or itching ; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness Rare Blurred vision; ringing in ears; sores in mouth and on lips; wheezing Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: More common Nausea and vomiting; unusual tiredness or weakness Less common Constipation or diarrhea; loss of appetite This medicine may cause a temporary loss of hair in some people. After treatment with carboplatin has ended, normal hair growth should return. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Before starting Carboplatin treatment patients should discuss its effects on fertility and their ability to conceive after treatment. Patients should not receive Carboplatin if they are allergic to anything containing platinum. Women should not breast feed while taking Carboplatin as the medicine can travel through the milk to the baby. Also vaccinations should not be taken during treatment which causes patients to be immuno-compromised.