Carboplatin
Say it: KAR-boh-plat-in
Carboplatin is a platinum chemotherapy medicine that damages the DNA in cancer cells so they cannot grow.
What it is
Carboplatin contains the metal platinum. It binds to DNA and links the strands together. Cancer cells cannot copy themselves and die.
Often used for
- ovarian cancer
- lung cancer
- breast cancer
- head and neck cancer
- and many other cancers
How you get it
Carboplatin is given through a vein (IV), usually over 30 to 60 minutes. It is often given every 3 weeks, or once a week in some plans. Your dose is based on how well your kidneys work. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Low blood counts, especially platelets, which raise your risk of bleeding, infection, and tiredness. Wash your hands often.
- Nausea and vomiting. Take your anti-nausea medicine as your team tells you.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Hair thinning or hair loss. It usually grows back.
- Constipation. Drink fluids and eat fiber.
- Mild numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Tell your team.
- Low levels of minerals, like magnesium. You may need supplements.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
- Bleeding or bruising that will not stop, black or bloody stools, or blood in your urine
- Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a racing heart during or after the infusion
- Itching, flushing, or a rash during the infusion
- Vomiting so much you cannot keep fluids down
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have kidney problems
- If you have had an allergic reaction to carboplatin or cisplatin
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- You will have blood tests to check your blood counts and kidneys.
- Allergic reactions become more likely after many doses. Your nurse will watch you during each infusion.
- It can harm an unborn baby and may affect fertility.
Questions to ask
- How often will I get this medicine?
- What signs of an allergic reaction should I watch for?
- How low might my blood counts go?
Part of these treatment plans
- ABCP
- BCP
- Carboplatin and etoposide
- Carboplatin and paclitaxel
- Carboplatin, pemetrexed and pembrolizumab
- Cisplatin with radiation
- Gemcitabine and cisplatin
- RICE
- TCHP
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Hair loss
- Low white blood cells and infection risk
- Low platelets and bleeding
- Neuropathy (numbness and tingling)
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Carboplatin?
- Carboplatin is a platinum chemotherapy medicine that damages the DNA in cancer cells so they cannot grow.
- What is Carboplatin used for?
- ovarian cancer; lung cancer; breast cancer; head and neck cancer; and many other cancers.
- How is Carboplatin given?
- Carboplatin is given through a vein (IV), usually over 30 to 60 minutes. It is often given every 3 weeks, or once a week in some plans. Your dose is based on how well your kidneys work. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Carboplatin?
- Low blood counts, especially platelets, which raise your risk of bleeding, infection, and tiredness. Nausea and vomiting. Feeling tired. Hair thinning or hair loss. Constipation. Mild numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Low levels of minerals, like magnesium.
- When should I call my care team while taking Carboplatin?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; Bleeding or bruising that will not stop, black or bloody stools, or blood in your urine; Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a racing heart during or after the infusion; Itching, flushing, or a rash during the infusion; Vomiting so much you cannot keep fluids down.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Carboplatin?
- ABCP, BCP, Carboplatin and etoposide, Carboplatin and paclitaxel, Carboplatin, pemetrexed and pembrolizumab, Cisplatin with radiation, Gemcitabine and cisplatin, RICE, TCHP.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.