Side Effects of Carboplatin Chemotherapy

Carboplatin is a chemotherapy drug used to treat several forms of cancer, including ovarian, head, neck, lung, bladder, breast, endometrial and esophageal cancers, osteogenic sarcoma and tumors in the germ cells and central nervous system. It works by binding to a cancer cell's DNA and interfering with its ability to repair itself, which will eventually cause the cell to die. Carboplatin is usually given intravenously, but it can also be injected into the stomach.

  1. Blood Disorders

    • In rare cases, Carboplatin is known to have caused severe blood disorders such as bone marrow suppression that can lead to infection problems and bleeding. Higher dosages and longer treatment with Carboplatin increases these risks. Possible signs of a blood disorder include easy bruising or bleeding, difficulty breathing, itching, swelling, extreme dizziness, rash, unusual fatigue and signs of an infection such as fever or a sore throat.

    Nausea and Vomiting

    • Nausea and vomiting are a well-known side effect of many chemotherapy drugs, including Carboplatin. Nausea and vomiting usually begin within 24 hours of receiving Carboplatin. In severe cases, medication can be given to help treat the nausea and vomiting.

    Hair Loss

    • Hair loss is one of the most dreaded side effects of chemotherapy drugs such as Carboplatin. Not everyone will experience hair loss, but in those who do, normal hair growth usually resumes when chemotherapy treatment has ended.

    Blood Side Effects

    • Carboplatin patients may have low blood counts, including platelets and red and white blood cells, as a result of the drug. Other abnormal blood test results such as a high magnesium level are also sometimes a side effect of Carboplatin.

    Taste

    • Some Carboplatin patients will notice that foods and beverages begin to taste differently than they did before starting chemotherapy. It is common for people to notice sweets don't taste as sweet as they once did and for bitter foods to taste more bitter. Some people report an overall bland taste for many foods. Most taste changes disappear within a few months of ending chemotherapy.

    Other Side Effects

    • Less common side effects of Carboplatin include the following: constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sores in the mouth and infections. Some patients will also develop pain or redness at the injection site.