Carboplatin

What is carboplatin?

Carboplatin (also called Paraplatin®) is an anticancer medicine. It is available as a clear liquid given into a vein (IV).

Carboplatin can pose a health hazard to caregivers. All caregivers should take safety precautions while giving this drug. For 48 hours after this drug is given, the patient’s body fluids can contain the drug. During that 48-hour period, caregivers should follow safety guidelines when handling the patient’s vomit, blood, urine, and bowel movements, including diapers. These guidelines include wearing gloves when cleaning up body fluids. For a complete list of safety precautions, see “Do you know… Protecting caregivers from drug hazards.”

Possible side effects of carboplatin

Early

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Decreased kidney function

Later (more than a day after treatment starts)

• Low blood counts with an increased risk for infection
• Loss of appetite
• Hair loss
• Ringing sound in the ears
• Hearing loss
• Decreased kidney function
• Low levels of magnesium in the blood, which can cause muscle cramping or seizures

These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

In case of a severe side effect or reaction, call the doctor, nurse or pharmacist at 595-3300. If you are outside the Memphis area, dial toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833), and press 0 once the call is connected.

Special instructions for carboplatin

• Carboplatin may cause nausea and vomiting. The doctor may prescribe medicine to keep you from feeling sick and throwing up after you receive carboplatin.
• Tell the doctor if you have hearing changes or if you have a ringing sound in your ears.
• Blood and urine tests will be done to check your kidney function and the level of magnesium in the blood.
• The doctor may prescribe magnesium for you to take by mouth while you receive carboplatin. It is very important to take the magnesium exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
• It is important to drink a lot of liquids for 24 hours before you receive carboplatin and for 48 hours after you receive carboplatin. If you are unable to drink liquids, the doctor may prescribe IV fluids while you are receiving carboplatin.
• Carboplatin may make your mouth sore and irritated. The doctor or nurse may give you oral rinses to keep your mouth clean after you receive carboplatin.
• It may be easier for you to get infections while you receive carboplatin. Stay away from crowds or people with colds, flu, or other infections. (See “Do you know… How to prevent infections.”)