Carboplatin (Paraplatin®)

Overview

Carboplatin is a platinum-containing drug used to treat malignant cancer. The drug affects the DNA of rapidly dividing cells but the exact mechanism of action is not clearly understood.

As with most cancer-treating drugs, carboplatin is used in combination with other drugs to increase its ability to combat malignancy.

Due to the toxic nature of carboplatin, it is given in a hospital setting. The veterinarian and all assistants should wear gloves when handling the drug.

Carboplatin is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.

This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.

Brand Names and Other Names

This drug is registered for use in humans only.

Human formulations: Paraplatin (Bristol Myers Squibb)

Veterinary formulations: None

Use of Carboplatin

Carboplatin is used primarily to treat osteosarcoma, a cancer of the bones. The drug has also been used to treat melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, feline vaccine-associated sarcomas and transitional cell carcinoma.

Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, carboplatin can cause side effects in some animals.

Carboplatin should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

As with other cancer-treating drugs, carboplatin is a strong drug with potential serious side effects. 

Carboplatin should be avoided in dogs with active infections, hearing impairment, kidney or liver disease.

Carboplatin may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with carboplatin. Such drugs include certain vaccinations.

Kidney damage, liver damage, bone marrow dysfunction, loss of appetite, seizures, diarrhea and hearing loss can occur after administration of carboplatin.

Many patients will vomit immediately after the drug is given.

How Carboplatin is Supplied

Carboplatin is only available as an injection in 50 mg vials, 150 mg vials and 450 mg vials.

Dosing Information

Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian. Carboplatin is only administered in a hospital setting.

Carboplatin is dosed at 250 to 300 mg/m2 intravenous every 3 to 4 weeks for dogs.

In cats, carboplatin is dosed at 180 to 210 mg/m2 intravenous every 3 to 4 weeks.

The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects.