Carboplatin (carboplatin)
Multiple manufacturers (generic); original brand: Paraplatin · Platinum-Based Chemotherapy Agent
What is Carboplatin? Carboplatin (brand: Paraplatin) is a second-generation platinum chemotherapy used in combination regimens for ovarian cancer, NSCLC, and many other solid tumors. It has less nephrotoxicity and nausea than cisplatin but more myelosuppression. Generic widely available.
About Carboplatin
| Brand Name | Carboplatin |
| Generic / INN | carboplatin |
| Drug Class | Platinum-Based Chemotherapy Agent |
| Manufacturer | Multiple manufacturers (generic); original brand: Paraplatin |
| Administration | Intravenous (IV) infusion |
| FDA Approval | 1989 |
FDA-Approved Uses
- Advanced ovarian cancer — initial treatment with cyclophosphamide
- Ovarian cancer — palliative after prior chemotherapy
- NSCLC — combination regimens (CARBO+paclitaxel, CARBO+pemetrexed, CAPOX)
- Multiple other solid tumor combination regimens
How Does Carboplatin Work?
Carboplatin forms platinum-DNA crosslinks between adjacent guanines, preventing DNA replication. Same mechanism as cisplatin but with a different leaving group (cyclobutanedicarboxylate) resulting in slower DNA binding and different toxicity profile.
Dosage & Administration
Dosed by Calvert formula: Dose (mg) = AUC × (GFR + 25). Typical AUC 4–6 every 3–4 weeks. Renal function monitoring essential — recalculate dose if kidney function changes.
Dosing is individualized by the treating oncologist. Do not adjust without medical guidance. This page is educational only.
Warnings & Side Effects
- Severe myelosuppression (thrombocytopenia especially)
- Anaphylaxis — risk increases with prior platinum
- Renal toxicity — Calvert formula required
- Embryo-fetal toxicity
Common Side Effects
- Thrombocytopenia
- Anemia
- Neutropenia
- Nausea/vomiting
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Alopecia
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Storage & Handling
Store at room temperature 25°C (77°F). Protect from light. Do NOT refrigerate (precipitation).
💰 Medication Cost & Insurance Coverage
Approximate Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC / List Price)
~$50–$500/cycle
AUC-based dosing; generic
Insurance & Prior Authorization
Carboplatin requires prior authorization from all major insurance plans. BiologicHealthPlus handles the full PA process — clinical documentation, peer-to-peer reviews, and appeals — at no cost to patients or providers.
Prior Authorization Guide Patient Assistance Insurance & Savings
Frequently Asked Questions — Carboplatin
Carboplatin is used in combination chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, NSCLC, and many other solid tumors. It is preferred over cisplatin for less kidney toxicity and nausea.
By the Calvert formula based on target AUC and kidney function (GFR) — not body surface area. Kidney function must be rechecked before each cycle.
Carboplatin has less nephrotoxicity and nausea but more thrombocytopenia. Selection depends on cancer type and patient kidney function.
Yes — very widely available and affordable.
Related Medications & Conditions
Related Medications
Cisplatin · Oxaliplatin · Paclitaxel · Nab-paclitaxel · Pemetrexed
Related Conditions
Ovarian cancer · Non-small cell lung cancer · Other solid tumors