Carboplatin belongs to a class of medications called alkylating agents. It stops cells from replicating and dividing by interfering with their nucleic acid function. This kills cells and inhibits the growth of malignant tumours. Carboplatin is therefore used to treat multiple types of cancers, including ovarian cancer and small cell lung cancer. It may be used alone or together with other anticancer medications to kill cancer cells.
Carboplatin is injected into a vein via a drip as directed by your doctor. This process generally takes 15 minutes or longer, and you will need to rest in the hospital ward or clinic when you are on the medicine drip. Before you start using Carboplatin, you may be given other medicines beforehand to prevent or lessen the side effects of Carboplatin. The dosage of Carboplatin is calculated by your doctor based on your total body surface area. Your doctor will advise you on the dosage and frequency depending on your condition.
Advanced ovarian cancer, small cell lung cancer
Adult
400 mg per m2 body surface area given once every 4 weeks.
Common side effects of Carboplatin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, loss of appetite, abdominal pain or cramps, muscle weakness, hearing problems, tinnitus, hair loss, flu-like symptoms, and injection site swelling or pain.
Common dosing schedule:
Your doctor will advise you on the dosing schedule depending on your condition.
Some common medications Carboplatin may interact with:
Carboplatin may interact with many other medications. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Carboplatin is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Carboplatin in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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