Is Paraplatin Safe ?

USES: treatment of ovarian cancer

Generic Name: Carboplatin
Brand Name: Paraplatin
 

Paraplatin is used for:

Treating ovarian cancer. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Paraplatin is an antineoplastic. It works by disrupting the cell growth of cancer cells, which helps you fight cancer.

Do NOT use Paraplatin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Paraplatin , mannitol, or compounds that contain platinum (eg, cisplatin)
• you have severe bone marrow depression or severe bleeding problems

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Paraplatin :

Some medical conditions may interact with Paraplatin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have impaired kidney function or liver problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with this medicine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Aminoglycoside antibiotics (eg, gentamicin) and anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because side effects, including risk of bleeding, kidney problems, or hearing problems, may be increased by Paraplatin
• Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because the effectiveness of these medicines may be decreased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Paraplatin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

• Paraplatin may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations in which bruising or injury may occur. Report any unusual bleeding, bruising, blood in stools, or dark, tarry stools to your doctor.
• Paraplatin may lower your body's ability to fight infection. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Notify your doctor of any signs of infection including fever, sore throat, rashes, or chills.
• Avoid vaccinations with live virus vaccines (eg, measles, mumps, oral polio) while you are taking Paraplatin . Vaccinations may be less effective.
• LAB TESTS, including blood counts, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Paraplatin with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Use Paraplatin with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Paraplatin has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while taking Paraplatin . If you think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Paraplatin during pregnancy. It is unknown if Paraplatin is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast feed while taking Paraplatin .

Possible side effects of Paraplatin :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; diarrhea; hair loss; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); cough; decrease in amount of urine; fever or chills; injection site reactions (redness, swelling, pain); numbness, tingling, or pain of the hands or feet; pain, irritation, or sores in the mouth; ringing in the ears or hearing loss; sore throat; unusual bruising or bleeding; vision changes or loss.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers) or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include loss of vision (which can be complete for light and colors); severe stomach pain; yellowing of skin or eyes.

Proper storage of Paraplatin :

Paraplatin is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Paraplatin at home, store Paraplatin as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Paraplatin , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Paraplatin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Paraplatin . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.