Drugs & Vitamins

Dacarbazine Active Ingredients: Dacarbazine Representative Names: DTIC, DTIC-Dome What is dacarbazine injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with dacarbazine? What side effects may I notice from receiving dacarbazine? What should I watch for while taking dacarbazine? Where can I keep my medicine? What is dacarbazine injection? (Back to top) DACARBAZINE, DTIC (DTIC-Dome®) is a type of chemotherapy for treating cancer. Dacarbazine interferes with the way cells grow. Dacarbazine is often used to treat skin cancers. It is also used in combination with other anticancer medicines to treat cancers of the blood (Hodgkin's disease). Generic dacarbazine injections are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •bleeding problems •blood disorders •dental disease •infection (especially virus infection such as chickenpox or herpes) •kidney disease •recent radiation therapy •an unusual or allergic reaction to dacarbazine, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Dacarbazine is for injection or infusion into a vein. It is usually administered in a hospital or clinic setting by a health care professional. Continue a regular schedule of doses. You may need a daily dose for several days, possibly repeated every 4 weeks, or one dose every 15 days. You may need to take other anticancer medicines at the same time. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) It is important not to miss a dose. Notify your prescriber or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment. What drug(s) may interact with dacarbazine? (Back to top) •aldesleukin (IL-2) •levodopa •live virus vaccines •phenytoin Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving dacarbazine? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •burning during the infusion •dark yellow or brown urine •dizziness, lightheadedness •fever or chills, sore throat •muscle aches or pains •pain or difficulty passing urine •pain, swelling, redness or irritation at the injection site •unusual bleeding or bruising, red spots on your skin •unusual tiredness or weakness •vomiting •yellowing of the eyes or skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •increased sensitivity of the skin to sun or ultraviolet light •loss of appetite •nausea •sore mouth What should I watch for while taking dacarbazine? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks. The side effects of dacarbazine can continue after you finish your treatment; report side effects promptly. Dacarbazine may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because dacarbazine affects good cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop. While you are using dacarbazine, you will be more susceptible to infection. Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and bronchitis. Do not have any vaccinations without your prescriber's approval and avoid anyone who has recently had oral polio vaccine. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat. Do not treat yourself. Dacarbazine can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. After mixing the injection solution, use within 72 hours if kept at 4 degrees C (39 degrees F ), or within 8 hours if kept at room temperature. For storage of further diluted solutions follow manufacturer's advice. Throw away any unused injection solution. Last Updated:04/21/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.