When you or someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, it's normal to feel scared, curious, and have many questions about the treatment. Your doctor may have told you about a drug called Carboplatin. The name may have scared you. So today, let's talk about this drug, what it does, and what you need to be aware of.
Simply put, what is Carboplatin?
Carboplatin is a drug used to treat several types of cancer. This is called chemotherapy . As you probably know, cancer cells are cells that divide and grow much faster than normal cells in our body. So, what this carboplatin drug does is control the growth and division of those cancer cells. When the growth of cancer cells stops in this way, we get a great help in controlling the cancer. This drug can also be used for other reasons. Your doctor will explain more about it to you.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
To ensure that this treatment is given to you in the most appropriate and safe way, it is essential that your doctor knows certain things about you. Therefore, if any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor before starting treatment.
| Information you need to provide | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Allergies you have | It is important to mention any allergies, especially to medications such as carboplatin and cisplatin, as well as other medications, foods, or preservatives. |
| Kidney disease | This medication is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, the dosage may need to be adjusted. |
| Hearing problems | Sometimes this medication can worsen hearing problems, so it is important to inform your doctor if you already have such a condition. |
| Blood disorders | If you have anemia or bleeding disorders, this medicine may worsen those conditions. |
| Radiation therapy | If you have recently received or are currently receiving radiation therapy, tell your doctor. |
| If you are pregnant or expecting a baby | This medicine can cause serious harm to the unborn baby, so it is imperative to avoid pregnancy during this time. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | This medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding should be completely avoided during treatment. |
How is this medicine administered to the body?
Carboplatin is not a pill or syrup that you can take home. It is an injection into a vein . This treatment is given to you in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or nurse who has been specially trained for it. So there is no reason to be afraid of it.
The most important thing is to go to the hospital on time for your scheduled treatment days. Do not skip a dose of treatment for any reason. If for some reason you are unable to go on your scheduled day, call your medical team immediately and let them know.
The dosage of this medicine is determined by your doctor. Since it is administered under strict control in the hospital, there is no problem of 'taking too much'. However, if you accidentally take too much of any other medicine you use at home, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to keep in mind during treatment
This may be a difficult time, but staying strong and following these tips is very important for your well-being.
Physical discomfort
It is normal to feel upset and lethargic during chemotherapy. This is because these medications can affect not only cancer cells but also some healthy cells in our body. But don't stop your treatment because of these discomforts. Complete the treatment until your doctor tells you to stop. You may be given other medications to control some of the side effects. Use those medications as directed.
Protect yourself from infections
This medicine may slightly decrease your body's immunity, which is your ability to resist disease. Therefore, it is very important to protect yourself from infections during this time.
- If you experience symptoms of a cold, such as fever, chills, sore throat, and cough , don't just ignore it. Call your doctor immediately for advice. Don't just go to the pharmacy and buy medicine on your own.
- Stay as far away from people with illnesses like colds and flu as possible during this time.
- Do not take painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen without your doctor's advice, as these medications may suppress your fever and prevent you from detecting an infection.
Be careful of bleeding.
During treatment, your skin may bruise slightly, or even a small wound may bleed more.
- Therefore, when brushing your teeth , the brush should have very soft bristles . Do not brush your teeth vigorously.
- Be very careful when using objects like toothpicks to clean between your teeth.
- If you need to have any dental work done, you must tell the dentist that you are taking chemotherapy.
What are the possible side effects?
Not everyone will experience all of these side effects. Some people may experience a few of them, while others may experience none at all. The important thing is to be aware of these and seek medical advice as soon as possible if necessary.
| Side effect | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Things to tell your doctor or medical team immediately | |
| Allergic reactions Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. | This is an emergency. Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Signs of infection Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds, urinary tract infections. | Call your medical team immediately. |
| Symptoms of low red blood cells Unusual fatigue, lethargy, dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing. | Inform your doctor about these symptoms. |
| Nerve problems Numbness in the limbs, pain, loss of consciousness, difficulty walking, seizures. | Don't wait and tell your doctor immediately. |
| Unusual bleeding or bruising | If even the slightest thing breaks your skin or if bleeding takes a long time to stop, report it immediately. |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Nausea and Vomiting | There are very good medications to control these, so talk to your doctor about this discomfort. |
| Hair loss | This is a temporary condition that occurs in most people. Hair will grow back after treatment is complete. |
| Unusual tiredness and fatigue | It is important to get plenty of rest during this time. If it persists, tell your doctor. |
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes. Some drugs can interact with carboplatin. For example:
- Some medications for seizures
- Some antibiotics, such as amikacin and gentamicin
- Some types of vaccines
Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). It is also important to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Take-Home Message
- Carboplatin is a chemotherapy drug given intravenously that controls the growth of cancer cells.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions (especially kidney and hearing problems) and medications you are taking.
- If you develop signs of infection such as fever, chills, or unusual bleeding or bruising during treatment, seek medical advice immediately.
- Even if you feel uncomfortable, do not stop treatment without your doctor's advice.
- Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding completely during this time.
- Talk openly with your doctor or medical team about any questions or concerns you may have. You are not alone in this journey.
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