Dacarbazine (Injection)

Dacarbazine (da-KAR-be-zeen)

Treats skin cancer and is used with other medicine to treat Hodgkin's disease.

Brand Name(s):

Dtic-Dome
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not be treated with this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to dacarbazine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• This medicine, like all medicines used to treat cancer, is very strong. Make sure you understand why you are getting it and what the risks and benefits of treatment are. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it will be given.
• Your medicine will be given through a tube put in one of your veins, usually in your arm, wrist, or hand and sometimes in your chest. This is called IV, or intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us).
• A nurse or other caregiver trained to give cancer drugs will give your treatment.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or the clinic where you get your treatments for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you get your treatments at a clinic, the staff at the clinic will keep your medicine there.
• If you get your treatments at home, you may need to store your medicine. You can keep the medicine it at room temperature if it will be used within 8 hours. If it won't be used within 8 hours, keep it in the refrigerator.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
• If you get your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles, medicine bag or bottles, and tubes. Keep it where children or pets cannot reach it.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• You should not use aspirin or any product that has aspirin in it (such as some cold medicines) unless you have talked to your doctor.
• Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines (such as flu shots).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Do not breastfeed while you are getting this medicine.
• You may get infections more easily while getting this medicine. Stay away from crowds or people with colds, flu, or other infections.
• If you have pain, burning, redness, or swelling at the place on your skin where the IV is given, tell your caregiver right away.
• This medicine can cause nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may prescribe medicine so you don't feel too sick. If the medicine does not help (you can't keep liquids down), call your doctor. It may help to limit what you eat for 4 to 6 hours before your treatment.
• Your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight. Use sunscreen when outside, and do not spend a long time in the sun.
• Do not get pregnant while you or your sexual partner are being treated with dacarbazine. Use an effective method of birth control while you are getting this medicine.
• If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before you start your treatments.
• Some cancer drugs may make you sterile (unable to have children), whether you are a man or woman. If you plan to have children someday, talk with your doctor before you start your treatments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fever, chills, or sore throat
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Severe diarrhea, severe mouth sores
• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Severe rash or hives
• Uncontrollable nausea and vomiting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Loss of appetite
• Headache, tiredness
• Hair loss
• Flushing (redness) in the face

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.