Dacarbazine
- What is it for
Dacarbazine is an intravenous chemotherapy used alone or in combination with other agents for the treatment of certain types of cancer.
Dacarbazine
- Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications
What side effects can
Dacarbazine
cause?
Early side effects
- Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite may occur.
There are medications available, which may prevent or decrease these side effects. If you are given these medications, take them as directed. - Diarrhea may occur.
- Pain at the site of injection may occur.
- Facial flushing or tingling may occur during treatment. This should only last for a few minutes.
- Red, itchy skin rash may appear.
- Flu-like symptoms may occur such as mild fever, muscle ache and tiredness.
Delayed side effects
- A drop in the white blood cell counts may occur 10 to 14 days after treatment.
- Temporary hair loss or thinning may begin 2 to 3 weeks after treatment.
Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Fever of 38°C or higher.
- Sore throat, hoarseness or mouth sores.
- Redness, pain or swelling at injection site.
- Unusual bleeding, bruising or black tarry stools.
Before taking
Dacarbazine
, what precautions must I follow?
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight as Dacarbazine may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. The use of a sunscreen and/or protective clothing may be helpful.