Carboplatin (Paraplatin) is used to treat cancer of the ovaries, head and neck, or mesothelioma. Carboplatin is in a group of medicines known as platinum containing compounds or alkylating agents. Carboplatin is given intravenously and works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, which eventually die.

The growth of normal cells may also be affected by Carboplatin and therefore treatment has several side effects. The side effects can range from mild to serious depending on each patient. They include: reduction of production of blood cells (1. lowers a patients immunity and therefore increases the chances of infection and 2. reduces the number of platelets and decreases the blood's ability to clot), nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and fatigue.

Before starting Carboplatin treatment patients should discuss its effects on fertility and their ability to conceive after treatment. Patients should not receive Carboplatin if they are allergic to anything containing platinum. Women should not breast feed while taking Carboplatin as the medicine can travel through the milk to the baby. Also vaccinations should not be taken during treatment which causes patients to be immuno-compromised.