Carboplatin: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Carboplatin is a platinum chemotherapy medicine. It is a prescription medicine used for ovarian, lung and other cancers. In Pakistan it is available as injections, made by 5 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Carboplatin works
Carboplatin contains platinum, which binds to the DNA inside cancer cells and links its strands together. The damaged DNA cannot be copied, so the cells are unable to divide and eventually die. Fast-dividing healthy cells, such as those in the bone marrow, can also be affected.
What is Carboplatin used for?
- Ovarian
- Lung
- Other cancers
Carboplatin is a chemotherapy medicine used to treat ovarian cancer and small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, and it is also part of treatment for some head and neck, bladder, testicular and other cancers. It may be given on its own or combined with other cancer medicines such as paclitaxel. The treatment plan is decided and supervised by an oncology team.
Side effects of Carboplatin
Side effects of Carboplatin vary from person to person, and the cancer team will help manage them. Common ones include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness
- Low blood counts with a higher risk of infection
- Bruising or bleeding more easily
- Hair thinning
- Tingling in the hands or feet
Contact your cancer team straight away if you have a temperature, shivering or feel suddenly unwell, unusual bleeding, or reduced urine. Get emergency help for a rash, swelling or breathing difficulty during or after the infusion.
Precautions and warnings
- It is given only under the supervision of a cancer specialist, with regular blood tests to check blood counts and kidney function.
- It can harm an unborn baby; reliable contraception is needed during treatment and for some months afterwards, and breastfeeding must be stopped.
- Report fever, sore throat or unusual bruising at once, as these can mean low blood counts.
- Tell the team about any hearing problems or kidney disease, and about other medicines, including certain antibiotics that can affect the kidneys or hearing.
- Avoid live vaccines during treatment unless your specialist advises otherwise.
Frequently asked questions about Carboplatin
What is the price of Carboplatin in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Carboplatin products currently in stock range from Rs 1,920 to Rs 8,544 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Carboplatin 150mg Injection at Rs 1,920. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Carboplatin are available in Pakistan?
Carboplatin is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Cytocarb (A.J Mirza), Kemocarb (Atco Laboratories Ltd), Carboplatin (Atco Laboratories Ltd), Toxiplatin (CCL Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Carpsol (Pfizer Laboratories Ltd) and Pharmaplatin (Pharmadic).Do I need a prescription for Carboplatin?
Yes. Carboplatin is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Are all Carboplatin brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Carboplatin in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Carboplatin brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 11 products containing Carboplatin from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
