Dacarbazine

What is dacarbazine?

Dacarbazine (also called DTIC or DTIC-Dome®) is an anticancer medicine. It is a clear to ivory-colored liquid given by vein (IV).

Dacarbazine can pose a health hazard to caregivers. All caregivers should take safety precautions while giving this drug. For 48 hours after this drug is given, the patient’s body fluids can contain the drug. During that 48-hour period, caregivers should follow safety guidelines when handling the patient’s vomit, blood, urine, and bowel movements, including diapers. These guidelines include wearing gloves when cleaning up body fluids. For a complete list of safety precautions, see “Do you know… Protecting caregivers from drug hazards.”

Possible side effects of dacarbazine

Early

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Flushing of the face
• Flu-like symptoms with muscle aches, fever, and fatigue

Later (more than a day after treatment starts)

• Feeling more tired than usual
• Hair loss
• Skin rash
• Low blood counts with higher risk of infection and bleeding

These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

In case of a severe side effect or reaction, call the doctor, nurse or pharmacist at 595-3300. If you are outside the Memphis area, dial toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833), and press 0 once the call is connected.

Special instructions for dacarbazine

• Dacarbazine can cause nausea and vomiting. The doctor will prescribe medicine to keep you from feeling sick and throwing up after you receive dacarbazine.
• Tell the nurse right away if you have pain or redness at the IV site.
• It may be easier for you to get infections while you are receiving dacarbazine. Stay away from crowds and people with colds, flu, or other infections. (See “Do you know… How to prevent infection.”)