Health Center

Hematology-Oncology Medical Group of the San Fernando Valley

Chemotherapy Drugs

Dacarbazine, DTIC injection

What does dacarbazine injection do?

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 my health care professional know before I receive dacarbazine?

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?

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?

It is important not to miss a dose. Notify your prescriber or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What other medicines can interact with dacarbazine?

·aldesleukin

·allopurinol

·azathioprine

·live virus vaccines

·mercaptopurine

·phenobarbital

·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?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

·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 do I need to watch for while I receive dacarbazine?

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?

Keep out of the reach of children.

After mixing the injection solution, use within 72 hours if kept at 4 degreesC (39 degreesF ), 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.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you

have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

[ Revised 1/1/95]

This information was obtained from Clinical Pharmacology 2000 . For more information about this drug or about any other drug, click here.