When someone has cancer, the drugs that may be able to help tend to be very strong. Carboplatin is one of these medications, and is commonly used in the treatment of cancer of the ovary and of the lung. Not all people who take the drug experience carboplatin side effects but when they do occur the effects can necessitate medical monitoring. Examples include an adverse effect on white blood cells, nausea and an increased likelihood of bruising.
Usually the potential benefits of chemotherapy outweigh the unpleasant side effects for the patient, but while the treatment regimen is ongoing, the cancer therapy may be uncomfortable for the person. Despite the high chance of carboplatin side effects, some people do not experience many serious problems during treatment. The most common carboplatin side effects tend to affect blood cells, the gastrointestinal tract and sap energy levels of the patient.
The circulatory system uses a fluid called plasma which carries many different types of cells around the body, which all perform specific functions. Red blood cells are those which carry oxygen around and give the blood vessels a red color, and the skin a healthy glow. Anemia is a possible carboplatin side effect, which indicates that the red blood cells are not functioning as best they could. Healthy blood also contains some cells called platelets, which help clot up cuts and stop bleeding. One of the possible carboplatin side effects is that the level of these platelets drop, and the person begins bruising more or bleeding abnormally.
Blood also contains white blood cells. These cells, named for their distinctive pale appearance compared to the red blood cells, work in the immune system. Carboplatin can reduce the levels of white blood cells circulating around in the blood, which can leave the patient more vulnerable to infections during the chemotherapy treatment. This situation is also known as neutropenia, and shows as a symptom if the patient develops a feverish temperature, or a feeling of illness develops quickly.
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of many chemotherapy drugs, and carboplatin can also cause these problems. Problems passing bowel movements, or the reverse, experiencing diarrhea, can also occur. People taking the drug can also feel uninterested in food and lose weight. Often, patients feel sleepier and less physically able than before due to the effects of the medication.
Sometimes people experience changes in the way food tastes to them, or suffer problems seeing properly. The drug can also make the ends of the fingers numb or tingly. Less common, but more dangerous, possible effects include blood in the urine, problems breathing or swollen feet. Patients should inform their doctor of any side effects that occur, in case they may be dangerous.
