Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Carboplatin.
Blood clotting: Carboplatin can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily. Tell your doctor of any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly. Such symptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding.
Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Carboplatin can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If possible, avoid contact with people with contagious infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.
Kidney function: Decreased kidney function or Kidney Disease can cause Carboplatin to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Carboplatin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Carboplatin, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Carboplatin should not be given to anyone with severely reduced kidney function unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
Red blood cells: Carboplatin may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired, or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Veno-occlusive disease (VOD): VOD is a potential complication of carboplatin treatment. It occurs when the small blood vessels that carry blood into and out of the liver become blocked. This in turn prevents the liver from removing toxins from the blood and causes liver damage. If you experience symptoms of VOD, such as rapid weight gain, fluid buildup in the body, or tenderness, swelling or pain in the abdomen, contact your doctor as soon as possible. VOD can cause liver failure and death if it is not treated promptly.
Pregnancy: There is a possibility of birth defect if either the man or woman is using carboplatin at the time of conception, or if it is taken during pregnancy. Effective birth control should be practiced while using Carboplatin. If you become pregnant while taking Carboplatin, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if carboplatin passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Carboplatin, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The prescribing of carboplatin for treatment of cancers in children should be done only by a doctor who has experience with the use of Carboplatin for children.
Seniors: Seniors are at an increased risk of side effects with carboplatin as the kidneys may not be able to remove the medication from the body as effectively. Lower doses may be needed.
