Paraplatin (Carboplatin) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 10, 2012

Paraplatin

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Paraplatin

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PARAPLATIN®
(carboplatin aqueous solution) Injection

WARNING

PARAPLATIN (carboplatin aqueous solution) INJECTION should be administered under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Appropriate management of therapy and complications is possible only when adequate treatment facilities are readily available.

Bone marrow suppression is dose related and may be severe, resulting in infection and/or bleeding. Anemia may be cumulative and may require transfusion support. Vomiting is another frequent drug-related side effect.

Anaphylactic-like reactions to carboplatin have been reported and may occur within minutes of PARAPLATIN (carboplatin) administration. Epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines have been employed to alleviate symptoms.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

PARAPLATIN® (carboplatin aqueous solution) INJECTION is supplied as a sterile, pyrogen-free, 10 mg/mL aqueous solution of carboplatin. Carboplatin is a platinum coordination compound. The chemical name for carboplatin is platinum, diammine[1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylato(2-)-O,O′]-, (SP-4-2), and carboplatin has the following structural formula:

PARAPLATIN®
(carboplatin) Structural Formula Illustration

Carboplatin is a crystalline powder with the molecular formula of C₆H₁₂N₂O₄Pt and a molecular weight of 371.25. It is soluble in water at a rate of approximately 14 mg/mL, and the pH of a 1% solution is 5 to 7. It is virtually insoluble in ethanol, acetone, and dimethylacetamide.

What are the possible side effects of carboplatin (Paraplatin)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects from carboplatin, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:

an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
kidney damage (little or no urine production, blood in the urine);
decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, or signs of...

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What are the precautions when taking carboplatin (Paraplatin)?

Before using carboplatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or to cisplatin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: decreased bone marrow function/blood cell disorders (e.g., anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, mineral imbalance (low blood levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium).

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 6/30/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.