Unicarb 450mg Injection

About

Unicarb 450mg Injection is a platinum-based chemotherapy agent, structurally related to cisplatin but characterized by a distinct toxicity profile. Its therapeutic action involves the formation of DNA adducts and inter-strand/intra-strand cross-links within the DNA of cancer cells. This irreversible DNA damage profoundly interferes with critical cellular processes such as DNA replication and transcription, ultimately triggering apoptosis in rapidly dividing malignant cells. Unicarb is often favored over cisplatin in specific clinical scenarios due to its generally milder non-hematologic toxicities, notably reduced nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, and emetogenicity. However, a key distinction is its more pronounced myelosuppression, particularly thrombocytopenia. It remains a widely utilized agent in the treatment of various solid tumors, frequently serving as a cornerstone in established combination chemotherapy regimens.

Uses

• Treatment of ovarian cancer.
• Management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
• Therapy for head and neck cancers.
• Used in small cell lung cancer.

Directions For Use

Administered intravenously by a healthcare professional. Dosage is typically calculated using the Calvert formula, based on kidney function.

Benefits

• Effective against a broad range of solid tumors.
• Less nephrotoxic and ototoxic than cisplatin.
• Generally less emetogenic than cisplatin.
• Can achieve significant tumor response.
• Often used in curative and palliative settings.
• Important component of many combination regimens.

Side Effects

• Myelosuppression (especially thrombocytopenia)
• Nausea and vomiting (less severe than cisplatin)
• Fatigue
• Peripheral neuropathy (less common than cisplatin)
• Hair loss
• Allergic reactions
• Anemia
• Leukopenia
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Mucositis

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it may exacerbate nausea, vomiting, and myelosuppression.
• Pregnancy - Unicarb is highly teratogenic and contraindicated in pregnancy due to severe fetal harm. Effective contraception is essential.
• Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding is contraindicated during Unicarb therapy due to the risk of serious adverse effects in the infant.
• Liver - Use with caution in patients with liver impairment; monitor liver function tests regularly.
• Kidney - Dose adjustments are crucial in patients with impaired renal function, as carboplatin clearance is highly dependent on kidney function.
• Lung - Rare but serious pulmonary toxicity can occur; monitor for respiratory symptoms, especially in patients with pre-existing lung conditions.

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