Dacarbazine

• Metastatic malignant melanoma
• Classical Hodgkin lymphoma

When should one not use Dacarbazine

• If you have a severe allergy to dacarbazine or any of its ingredients.
• If you have severely low white blood cells or platelets.
• If you have severe liver or kidney problems.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Bone marrow suppression (low white cells and platelets)
• Flu-like symptoms: fever, muscle aches, feeling unwell
• Increases in liver enzymes
• Rash, hair loss
• Facial flushing, low blood pressure on standing
• Blurred vision, headache, confusion, tingling sensations
• Signs of severe infection due to very low white blood cell counts, like fever, chills, sore throat
• Unusual bleeding or bruising due to very low platelet counts
• Signs of liver damage like yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal swelling, dark urine
• Severe or persistent nausea and vomiting
• Severe allergic reaction
• Severe tissue damage if the medicine leaks outside the vein

Other General Warnings

• If you have any liver disease.
• If you have a history of bone marrow problems or low blood counts.
• If you are due to have any vaccinations.
• If you have kidney problems.
• If you are taking medicines that can suppress bone marrow function.
• Report any fever, chills, sore throat, unusual bleeding, or bruising to your treatment team immediately.
• Attend all scheduled blood tests, as your blood counts and liver function will be monitored closely during and after treatment.
• Tell your doctor before receiving any vaccination.
• Report burning or pain at the injection site immediately.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Phenytoin: Dacarbazine may reduce the absorption of phenytoin and make it less effective. Tell your doctor if you take phenytoin.
• Other chemotherapy medicines or radiation therapy: These may further reduce blood cell counts and increase the risk of infections or bleeding.
• Fotemustine: This combination should generally be avoided because it may increase the risk of serious lung problems.
• Live vaccines: Avoid live vaccines during treatment unless your doctor advises otherwise, as Dacarbazine can weaken your immune system and increase the risk of infection.
• Some medicines that affect liver enzymes may change how Dacarbazine works.
• Tell your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you take.

Interactions with food items

Overdose

Missed a Dose