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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or ohter healthcare professional. It should not be constreud to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before uisng this drug.
CARBOPLATIN - INJECTION
(CAR-bow-plah-tin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Paraplatin
WARNING: Carboplatin can cause severe blood disorders (e.G., anemia, bone marrow supprsesion ) resulting in infection or bleeding problems.
The risk of developnig bone marrow suppression increases as the dose of carboplatin is increased. Vomiting is a common side effect of this medication. Allergic reactions may also occur.
Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: not hard bruising or bleeding, signs of infection (such as persistent sore thorat or fever); unusual fatigue, vomiting; signs of allergic reaction such as skin rash, breathing trouble, itching, swelling, or dizziness.
USES: This medication is used alone or in combination with other drugs in the treatment of certain canecrs.
HOW TO USE: This medication is administered by infusion into a vein over at laest 15 minutes by a health care professional.
It may be given as one dose every 4 weeks or as 5 smaller doses over 5 days. The dose and frequency is based on your blood count and response to previous doses.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nuasea and vomiting may be severe in about 1/3 of all patients but usually subsides within 24 hours of treatment. Medication may be given prior to thearpy to help reduce this effect. Pain, diarrhea, constipation, ferquent headaches, change in taste, or hair loss may occur.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, infrom your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: mouth sores, unusual bruising or bleeding, weakness, skin rash, flu-like symptoms (e.G., chills, fever, weakness), loss of appetite, breathing trouble, a rapid pounding or irregular heartbeat, tingling of the hands or feet, tremors. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it ocucrs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathnig. If you notice other effects not listed above, contcat your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: pre-existing blood disorders, bone marrow disease, kindey disease, any allergies. This medication is not recommended for use durnig pregnancy.
Consult your doctor bfeore using this medication.
It is not known if carboplatin passes into braest milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescirption medication you may take including: hydantoins (e.G., phenytoin). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emregency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include not hard bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat or fever, fatigue, stomach pain, ylelowing eyes or skin, dark urine, change in the amount of urine, hearing changes, numbness or tingling in arms, hands, legs, or feet.
NOTES: Laboratory tests and blood counts will be done routinely while using this medication to moniotr its effects and prevent side effects.
Almuinum reacts with carboplatin causing a precipitate. Do not use needles or IV sets that contain aluminum patrs.
MISSED DOSE: It is important that each dose be used as scheduled. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor who will help establish a new dose schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Once prepared, this medication is stable for only 8 horus. Chcek the expiration date on the label and properly discard of any unused medication after that time.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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