Asplata 50 mg/5 ml Injection

ASPLATA is an anti-cancer medicine in the form of solution for injection (a solution that can be given as a slow injection via a drip). It contains platinum. Carboplatin is used in the treatment of certain types of lung cancer and ovarian cancer.

Do not receive ASPLATA (injection) If you are:

• hypersensitive (allergic) to carboplatin or any similar medicines on previous occasions
• suffer from severe kidney disease
• suffer from hearing impairment
• Bone marrow depressed
• Pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breast-feeding your baby.

Take special care with ASPLATA (Injection)

• If you have a history of allergic reactions with platinum containing products
• To ensure the number of cells in your blood does not drop too low. Your doctor will regularly check for this
• If you have mild renal or liver disease
• If you are being given other anti-cancer medicines
• If you have been given other medicines that may affect your kidneys or hearing
• If you are older than 65 years old and experience tingling or burning of the skin

The dose of ASPLATA given to you will depend on your age, your health, how well your kidneys are working and any other medicines you may be taking. ASPLATA is not normally given to children.

ASPLATA may be diluted with glucose (sugar solution) or sodium chloride (salt solution) before it is given to you. It will be given slowly, usually via a drip into a vein over 15 -60 minutes. You may be given another dose of ASPLATA after 4 weeks ASPLATA may be given together with other anti-cancer medicines.

ASPLATA will be given to you by a healthcare professional only. He or she will have the required dose prepared for you. While receiving ASPLATA your doctor will take regular blood tests. This is to measure the effect the medicine is having and whether further doses of ASPLATA are necessary.

ASPLATA can cause side effects. Not all side effects reported for ASPLATA are included in this leaflet. Should your general health worsen or if you experience any untoward effects while taking ASPLATA, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other health care professional for advice.

If any of the following happens, stop ASPLATA and tell your doctor:

• Signs of allergic reaction and these include difficulty in breathing; raised, coloured blotches that may be itchy; swelling and/or flushing (redness) of the face
• Fainting. These are all very serious side effects. If you have them, you may have had a serious allergic reaction to ASPLATA. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

• abnormal heart beat (faster, slower or irregular)
• ‘yellowing of the skin and eyes, also called jaundice’
• chest pains
• destruction of red blood cells. Symptoms include but are not limited to swelling (water retention), nausea/vomiting and diarrhoea,
• bleeding (haemorrhagic complications). These are all serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention.

Store at or below 25̊ C, protected from light. Do not freeze Keep in original packaging until required for use. Do not use after the expiry date stated on the label. Your doctor or health facility will dispose of any unused solution. STORE ALL MEDICINES OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.