Carboplatin

What it is used for

Under normal conditions, the cells in your body divide and grow in an orderly, controlled fashion. Cell division and growth are necessary for the human body to perform its functions and to repair itself. Cancer cells are different from normal cells because they are not able to control their own growth. The reasons for this abnormal growth are not yet fully understood.

A tumor is a mass of unhealthy cells that are dividing and growing fast and in an uncontrolled way. When a tumor invades surrounding healthy body tissue it is known as a malignant tumor. A malignant tumor can spread (metastasize) from its original location to other parts of the body.

Carboplatin Injection is a medicine that is used to treat cancer of the ovaries. It acts by interfering with the division of rapidly multiplying cells, particularly cancer cells.

Side effects, and when to stop

Carboplatin Injection may cause unwanted effects, particularly because Carboplatin Injection interferes with the growth of normal cells as well as cancer cells. For example, the occurrence of another cancer (secondary malignancy) has been reported in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy with multiple drugs. It is not always possible to tell whether such effects are caused by carboplatin, another drug you may be taking, or your illness. Because some of these effects may be serious, you will need close medical supervision during treatment with Carboplatin Injection.

The most serious side effects of Carboplatin Injection are:

• bleeding and reduced blood cells, including reduced red blood cells (anemia) and platelets (needed for proper blood clotting), which may be severe enough to require blood transfusion. You should tell your doctor right away if you notice any unusual bruising or bleeding, including black tarry stools or blood in the urine.

• infection – Carboplatin Injection can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the risk of infection;

• life-threatening allergic reaction – during and after treatment the doctor or nurse will observe you carefully for signs of allergic reaction;

• kidney and liver problems;

• loss of hearing or ringing in the ears;

Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of these effects, or notice effects that worry you or are troublesome.

Of the less serious side effects associated with Carboplatin Injection treatment, the most common are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, hair loss and numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in the hands or feet.

This medicine was prescribed for your particular condition. It must be given under close medical supervision by a doctor trained in the use of drugs for the treatment of cancer.

This summary does not include everything there is to know about Carboplatin Injection. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in patient leaflets. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information about Carboplatin Injection, your physician and pharmacist have the complete prescribing information upon which this information is based. You may want to read it and discuss it with your doctor. Remember, no written summary can replace careful discussion with your doctor.

This Patient Information Leaflet has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Who should not take it

Treatment with Carboplatin Injection is not recommended if you:

• are allergic to carboplatin or other platinum containing products;

• have a weakened blood-forming system (bone marrow depression) or significant bleeding;

• are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breast feeding a baby.

What to say before you start

Discuss the benefits and risks of Carboplatin Injection with your doctor before beginning treatment. Be sure to inform your doctor:

• If you are allergic to carboplatin or other platinum-containing products;

• If you are or intend to become pregnant, since carboplatin may harm the developing fetus. It is important to use effective birth control while you are being treated with Carboplatin Injection;

• If you are breast-feeding, since nursing infants may be exposed to carboplatin in this way;

• If you are taking other medicines, including all prescription and non-prescription (over-the-counter) drugs, since carboplatin may affect the action of other medicines;

• If you have any other medical problems, especially chicken pox (including recent exposure to adults or children with chicken pox), shingles, hearing problems, infection, or kidney disease, since treatment with Carboplatin Injection increases the risk and severity of these conditions.

What to avoid

If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, or if you are breast feeding, let your doctor know right away. Carboplatin Injection may harm your developing fetus or breast-feeding baby. If you are a woman of childbearing age, you should use birth control to avoid getting pregnant while you are taking Carboplatin Injection.

You should avoid contact with adults and children who have infections, and tell your doctor right away if you show signs of infection such as cough, fever, and/or chills. Also, while you are being treated with Carboplatin Injection or after you stop treatment, first check with your doctor before getting any immunizations (vaccinations). Avoid contact with adults or children who have received oral polio vaccine since they can pass the polio virus to you.

How is Carboplatin Injection used?

Only a professional experienced in the use of cancer drugs should give you this medication. Carboplatin Injection is given by dripping the medicine slowly and directly into a vein (intravenous infusion) for 15 minutes or longer. Your doctor will determine the dose of Carboplatin Injection for you based on your weight, height, and kidney function. Carboplatin Injection may be given alone or with other drugs. Treatment is usually repeated every four weeks for a number of cycles.

Before and after Carboplatin Injection treatment, your doctor may give you medication to lessen the nausea and vomiting associated with this cancer treatment.