7 Carboplatin Side Effects You Should Know About

Carboplatin (Paraplatin) is a chemotherapy medication that treats ovarian cancer as well as other cancer types. While it can be an important part of cancer treatment, carboplatin can also cause side effects that may affect how you feel during and after treatment.

In this article, we’ll review the possible side effects of carboplatin. You’ll learn what to watch for, how to manage symptoms, and when to seek medical care.

Carboplatin side effects at a glance

Below is a list of common and serious carboplatin side effects. Keep in mind that this isn’t a complete list. So be sure to reach out to your healthcare team about any concerning side effects that occur during your carboplatin treatment, even if they aren’t listed below.

Common carboplatin side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Hair loss

• Mouth sores

• Peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain in fingers and toes)

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Low energy levels

• Stomach pain

• Injection site reactions

Serious carboplatin side effects include:

• Increased risk of infection

• Anemia (low red blood cells)

• Hearing loss

• Vision loss (at doses higher than recommended)

• Kidney problems

• Liver problems

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A boxed warning is the FDA’s most serious warning for medications. Carboplatin has a few boxed warnings: 

• Bone marrow suppression, resulting in low blood cell levels

• Severe infusion reactions

• Severe vomiting

Below we’ll dive deeper into seven potential side effects that you may experience while taking carboplatin.

1. Nausea and vomiting

Platinum-based chemotherapy medications, including carboplatin, are known for causing nausea and vomiting. In most cases, this side effect resolves within 24 hours of treatment. But it may linger for some people.

You’ll likely receive antinausea medication before your carboplatin infusion to help reduce nausea. Your prescriber may also send you home with prescription nausea medication to take as needed. Keep in mind that an empty stomach can make nausea worse. So staying hydrated and eating small, frequent meals of bland foods can also help.

If nausea and vomiting are severe or last more than 24 hours after receiving carboplatin, let your healthcare team know. They may need to reduce your dosage or administer carboplatin over a longer period of time to help reduce this side effect.

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2. Low energy levels

You may feel weaker or more tired than usual after receiving carboplatin. This is a common side effect of both chemotherapy and cancer itself.

Incorporating physical activity into your routine, such as a daily walk or gentle yoga session, can help battle fatigue. Massage therapy may also help. Be sure you’re staying hydrated and getting enough nutrition, too.

It’s fine to take an extra nap or two during the day if you’re feeling tired. But if you’re unable to complete normal daily activities for more than a day or two, let your prescriber know. There could be a more serious reason for your low energy, such as anemia, that requires treatment. 

3. Hair loss

Carboplatin can cause hair thinning or hair loss. Hair may fall out gradually or in clumps, and hair loss can include your eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair.

Wearing a soft hat, scarf, or wig can help you feel more comfortable if hair loss becomes noticeable. Cold caps (scalp cooling devices) may help reduce hair loss, but they don’t work for everyone.

Hair loss from carboplatin is usually temporary. Your hair will likely start to grow back a few weeks after treatment ends, though it may be a different texture or color than it was before treatment.

4. Mouth sores

Some people develop painful sores or ulcers inside their mouths during carboplatin treatment. This can make eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable.

Good oral care is especially important while receiving carboplatin. Avoid spicy, sharp, or hard foods that can irritate your mouth. Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes. Rinsing with a mixture of salt, baking soda, and water a few times a day can help keep your mouth clean and reduce irritation.

If mouth sores are making it hard to eat or drink, let your healthcare team know. They may prescribe a special mouth rinse or medication, such as “magic mouthwash,” to help with healing and pain relief. You may also need a lower carboplatin dosage or to pause treatment until your mouth heals.

5. Peripheral neuropathy

Carboplatin can sometimes damage the nerves in your hands and feet, a condition called peripheral neuropathy. This might cause tingling, numbness, or a burning feeling, especially in the fingers and toes. Unlike other carboplatin side effects, neuropathy can persist long after treatment is finished.

Applying ice packs to your hands and feet during carboplatin treatment may help reduce this side effect. If it does occur, wearing soft, supportive shoes and using warm compresses can ease discomfort. Gentle massage or physical therapy may also help soothe nerve pain.

If you notice new or worsening symptoms — such as being in severe pain, having trouble buttoning a shirt, or feeling off balance when walking — talk to your cancer care team right away. They may adjust your carboplatin dosage or suggest other treatments to help.

6. Bone marrow suppression

Carboplatin can affect how well your bone marrow makes blood cells. This can have several effects:

• Low red blood cells, potentially leading to anemia

• Low white blood cells, raising your infection risk

• Low platelet levels, increasing your risk of bleeding or bruising

Your healthcare team will monitor your blood counts regularly during treatment. If your levels drop too low, you may need medication to boost them, a delay in carboplatin treatment, or even a blood transfusion.

Watch for signs such as unusual tiredness, fever, or easy bruising. Report these to your healthcare team if they occur — they might be early signs of bone marrow suppression that need attention.

7. Hearing loss

Carboplatin can sometimes affect your hearing, especially at higher doses. You might notice tinnitus (ringing in your ears), trouble hearing high-pitched sounds, or a feeling of fullness in the ears.

Avoid loud noises to help protect your ears from damage during treatment. And let your healthcare team know if you notice any changes in your hearing while receiving carboplatin. They may order a hearing test or adjust your dosage. Hearing problems from carboplatin can sometimes be permanent, especially in children or for those who have repeated carboplatin treatments. Early reporting can help your care team take steps to protect your hearing.

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Written by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Sonja Jacobsen, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP

Sonja Jacobsen, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP,  is a clinical oncology pharmacy specialist currently practicing in Seattle. She has been practicing as a pharmacist since 2015 and is licensed to practice in Washington state and North Carolina.

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