Dacarbazine
Generic name: dacarbazine [ da-KAR-ba-zeen ]
Brand name: DTIC-Dome
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (100 mg; 200 mg)
Drug class:Alkylating agents
What is dacarbazine?
Dacarbazine is used to treat skin cancer (malignant melanoma) and Hodgkin's disease.
Dacarbazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Dacarbazine can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or new signs of infection (fever, weakness, cough, diarrhea, burning when you urinate).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use dacarbazine if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or
bone marrow suppression.
It is not known whether dacarbazine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while using dacarbazine.
How is dacarbazine given?
Dacarbazine is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
To help prevent severe nausea or vomiting, avoid eating anything for 4 to 6 hours before your injection.
Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when dacarbazine is injected.
Dacarbazine is sometimes given daily for 5 to 10 days in a row every 3 or 4 weeks. For Hodgkin's disease, you may only receive dacarbazine for 1 day every 15 days. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with dacarbazine.
Dacarbazine can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your dacarbazine injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Since dacarbazine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid while receiving dacarbazine?
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using dacarbazine. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (
