Carboplatin

Chemotherapy (platinum drug) · Used for: Ovarian cancer, Lung cancer

💉 Given by IV or injection · Chemotherapy (platinum drug)

Cliff notes

What it is: Chemotherapy (platinum drug).

How it's given: An IV infusion, usually over 30–60 minutes, every 3 weeks (or weekly), often with paclitaxel.

How it works: Carboplatin is a platinum chemo. It binds to the DNA inside cancer cells so they can't copy themselves, which kills them. It also affects fast-growing healthy cells, like those in your blood and gut.

Common side effects and what helps at home

Side effect	What can help
Low blood counts	Wash hands often and avoid crowds when counts are low.
Nausea and vomiting	Take anti-nausea medicine as directed, even before you feel sick.
Tiredness	Rest.
Hair thinning	Usually less than with paclitaxel.

Not everyone gets these. Your team may suggest other ways to manage them.

Call your care team now if you have:

Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills (possible infection when blood counts are low)
Vomiting or diarrhea that won't stop, or you can't keep fluids down
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Shortness of breath or chest pain
Signs of an allergic reaction during or after an infusion: trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives
Ringing in the ears or hearing changes
Flushing, itching, rash or trouble breathing during an infusion. Allergic reactions can happen within minutes, and the risk rises after many cycles

Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain or signs of stroke.

🗓 What to expect

1️⃣ Before you start

Ask your team for a written schedule and an after-hours phone number.
Bring a list of all your medicines and supplements.

2️⃣ During each infusion

You'll get the medicine through an IV in a clinic; nurses check you during the infusion.
Tell the nurse right away about chills, itching, flushing or trouble breathing.
Bring a snack, water and something to pass the time.

3️⃣ Between doses

Watch for the side effects below and use the checklist.
Keep up with blood tests and visits.
Call your team for anything in the red box.

📅 Sample 21-day cycle

= 💉 infusion. Every 3 weeks is common; weekly schedules are also used. This is an example; follow the schedule your team gives you.

✅ Side-effect checklist

Print this and check off what you notice so you can tell your team.

Side effect	Noticed?	Notes for my team
Low blood counts	☐
Nausea and vomiting	☐
Tiredness	☐
Hair thinning	☐

Help paying for Carboplatin

Generic chemo has no single manufacturer program, so the copay foundations below are your best bet.

PAN Foundation: Copays and coinsurance, including for people with Medicare, when a disease fund is open.
HealthWell Foundation: Grants for copays, deductibles and premiums when a fund is open.
CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation: Help with treatment copays for insured people under income limits.
Good Days: Copay help and some travel costs.
NeedyMeds: Free database of assistance programs, open to anyone.

📋 Medicare: Medicare Part B usually covers drugs given by infusion in a doctor's office or hospital outpatient clinic. You typically pay 20% after the Part B deductible. See Medicare and your cancer drugs.

More: Our guide to paying for cancer treatment.

Regimens that include Carboplatin

▶ Watch

Watch: How to Prepare for Your First Infusion Treatment (Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy or Targeted Therapy) (Fred Hutch Patient Education)

Videos open on YouTube and are made by the channels named. We don't host them.

❓ Questions to ask your doctor

What is the goal of this treatment for me?
How will we know if it's working?
Which side effects should I call about right away, and what number do I call after hours?
Which medicines, vitamins or supplements should I avoid?
Will this affect my ability to work, drive or care for my family?
What will this cost me, and who can help me with coverage?

Support groups

Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA): Woman to Woman peer support, education and research
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC): Support groups, the Teal Hearts Network and education
LUNGevity: Patient education, support groups and survivorship programs
GO2 for Lung Cancer: Helpline, biomarker testing support and navigation
CancerCare: Free counseling, support groups and financial help
Cancer Support Community: Support groups, a helpline and the MyLifeLine online community

Common questions

What are carboplatin side effects?

Low blood counts, nausea, vomiting and tiredness are the most common. Allergic reactions can happen, especially after many cycles.

Why is carboplatin given with paclitaxel?

The two drugs work in different ways, so together they're used often for ovarian and lung cancer.

Is there a carboplatin shortage?

There was a widely reported US shortage in 2023. Ask your cancer center about current supply.

📄 The official FDA label for Carboplatin, including its patient information section, is on DailyMed.

Written by the Cancer Side Effects Guide team from FDA labels and leading cancer centers. Not medical advice. · Last updated: October 15, 2026 · How we write

Not medical advice. This page is general information to help you talk with your care team. It can't replace advice from your doctor or nurse. If you have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher during treatment, or any symptom that worries you, call your care team now. In an emergency, call 911.