Carboplatin

Consumer Medicine Information

This leaflet answers some common questions about Carboplatin Injection.

It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you using Carboplatin Injection against the benefits it is expected to have for you.

If you have any concerns about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet.

You may need to read it again.

Carboplatin belongs to a group of anticancer medicines known as platinum complexes. Carboplatin works by preventing the growth of cancer cells and eventually destroying them. It is used for cancer of the ovary.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you.

Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.

This medicine is available only with a doctor’s prescription.

Do not use Carboplatin Injection if:

you have an allergy to carboplatin, cisplatin or other medicines containing platinum

you have kidney disease or poor kidney function

you have a low blood count

Females: Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Avoid becoming pregnant by using effective contraception during treatment and up to 6 months after therapy. It may affect your developing baby if you take it during pregnancy.

Males: Tell your doctor or pharmacist if your partner intends to become pregnant while you are being given Carboplatin Injection, or shortly after you have stopped treatment with carboplatin.

Carboplatin may cause birth defects if either the male or female is using it at the time of conception. It is recommended that you use some kind of birth control while you are using Carboplatin Injection and for at least 3 months after you stop treatment. A barrier method of birth control, such as a condom, should be used while you are being given carboplatin and for the 3-month period after your last dose. Your doctor will discuss this with you.

Do not breast feed if you are using this medicine.

If you are not sure you should be given Carboplatin, talk to your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.

Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:

any sort of infection e.g. sinusitis, tooth abscess, etc

abnormal or heavy bleeding

bleeding gums

unusual tiredness

poor kidney function

problems with hearing.

Tell your doctor if you are going to be vaccinated (have an injection to prevent a certain disease).

If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell him/her before you are given Carboplatin.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines and Carboplatin may interfere with each other. These include:

other anticancer drugs

drugs that affect the kidneys such as some antibiotics

some vaccinations (injections to prevent you getting a certain disease).

phenytoin/fosphenytoin

You may need different amounts of your medicines or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor will advise you.

Carboplatin is given by slow injection into a vein. It must only be given by a doctor or a nurse.

Your doctor will decide what dose, how often and how long you will receive it.

This depends on your condition and other factors, such as your weight, age, blood tests, how well your kidneys are working and whether or not other medicines are being given at the same time.

Overdose is unlikely as treatment is given in hospital under the supervision of a doctor.

However, if you are given too much Carboplatin, you may experience some of the effects listed under “Side Effects” below.

Ask your doctor if you have any concerns.

Your doctor has information on how to recognise and treat an overdose.

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments so that your progress can be checked.

You will also have blood tests to check for side effects.

Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who treat you that you are using this medicine.

If you become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.

Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using Carboplatin Injection.

Like other medicines, Carboplatin can cause some side effects. If they occur, most are likely to be minor or temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:

taste abnormalities

pain and redness at site of injection

joint pain, muscle pain

diarrhoea, constipation

mild nausea and vomiting

hair loss, especially of the scalp.

Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:

hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

tingling or a loss of sensation in the fingers or toes

blurred vision

flaking or peeling of the skin, rash or itchy rash.

Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you notice any of the following or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital:

signs of an allergic reaction (such as shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin; dizziness or light-headedness)

signs of infection, such as fever and chills, sore throat, sweats or feel generally unwell

headaches, changes in mental status (confusion, thinking abnormal, altered consciousness) or seizures

visual disturbances or loss

looking pale and yellowing of the skin and/or eyes

rapid breathing or rapid heart rate

bleeding, unusual bruising, bleeding gums, blood in the urine or stools, or pinpoint red spots

rash, fever or itching

swollen face or limbs, abdominal pain or swelling

mouth ulcers or sore mouth

severe nausea, vomiting

a feeling of tiredness

chest pain, stroke, a feeling of tightness, pressure or heaviness in the chest

decrease in urine.

These may be serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention. Serious side effects are rare.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients.

Tell your doctor if you notice any other effects.

Some side effects may only be seen by your doctor.

Carboplatin Injection is a clear, colourless solution in a plastic vial.

It comes in three sizes: 50 mg of carboplatin in 5 mL, 150 mg in 15 mL and 450 mg in 45 mL.

Carboplatin Injection contains carboplatin as the active ingredient.

It also contains Water for Injections. It does not contain a preservative.

Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd

Sydney NSW

Toll Free Number: 1800 675 229

www.pfizer.com.au

50 mg / 5 mL – AUST R 42853

150 mg / 15 mL – AUST R 49348

450 mg / 45 mL – AUST R 49349

 

Date of preparation

This leaflet was prepared in March 2020.