Decarb 500mg injection is an antineoplastic drug belonging to the class of alkylating agents, containing the active ingredient Dacarbazine. It is used to prevent and treat metastatic malignant melanoma (skin cancer), Hodgkin's disease (cancer that forms in the lymph system, part of the immune system).
It is often combined with cisplatin, a cytotoxic agent, to treat certain types of cancers for the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma, and also combined with temozolomide for the treatment of melanoma. There may be an increased risk of certain types of skin cancer (non-melanoma skin cancer) with the use of this medicine. This drug is contraindicated in pregnant women, and women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during and for at least 6 months after treatment with the drug. It is not known whether it is excreted in human milk, so breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment with the drug. It should also be used with caution in patients with pre-existing liver or kidney dysfunction. You should not have a live vaccine if you are having this injection. This is because it may weaken your immune system and make you more likely to catch a serious infection. Consult your doctor immediately for more advice.
Decarb 500mg injection may cause pain along the vein. If you feel pain, tell your nurse straight away so that the infusion site can be checked. They may give the drug more slowly or flush it through with more fluids to reduce pain. Treatment should not be started if your white blood cells (leukocytes) have fallen to counts below determined levels. Your doctor will determine these values at regular intervals. This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to this drug. Before each administration, you will have blood tests to check that you have enough blood cells to receive this medicine. It is usually administered once every three to four weeks. Tell your physician about all the medications you have been taking recently, including herbal medicines and supplements, before taking this injection.
Uses of Decarb 500mg Injection
Therapeutic Effects of Decarb 500mg Injection
It is a type of alkylating agent, which works majorly through the process of alkylation. It enters the cancer cells after getting activated by the liver and inhibits DNA synthesis. This process disrupts the normal cell cycle and DNA function, leading to arrest in cancer cell growth and multiplication.
Interaction of Decarb 500mg Injection with other drugs
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Decarb 500mg injection and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Decarb 500mg Injection
How to consume Decarb 500mg Injection
The medicine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. Decarb 500mg injection will be given intravenously into a vein in your arm or hand. Do not self-administer this medicine. The specific dose and schedule of administration depend on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. This injection is usually given about 30 minutes before you receive your anti-cancer medicine (chemotherapy). During the infusion, you will be monitored for any side effects or reactions to the medication. It is important to get the dose at the scheduled time. If you missed the schedule, contact your doctor and reschedule the dose.
Safety Advices for Decarb 500mg Injection
Pregnancy
Decarb 500mg injection is not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause fetal harm. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy during the treatment.
Breast Feeding
It is not known if Decarb 500mg injection passes into your breast milk or if it will affect your baby. Please consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Lungs
It is not known whether Decarb 500mg injection can be administered to patients with lung problems. Consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases before starting the treatment.
Liver
Inform your doctor if you have any liver problems before taking Decarb 500mg injection. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended.
Alcohol
Consuming alcohol may affect the effectiveness of Decarb 500mg injection. Stop consuming alcohol if you are taking this medicine.
Driving
It is unsafe to drive vehicles or operate heavy machinery after taking Decarb 500mg injection, it may cause dizziness and impair your concentration.
Side Effects of Decarb 500mg Injection
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Serious
- Sore throat or high temperature indicating infection
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Extreme tiredness
- Severe allergic reaction, characterized by swelling of hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, mouth or throat; rashes or giddiness.
- Headache, vision problems, fits, confusion, lethargy or numbness of face
- Severe liver problems
Common
- Low levels of RBC, WBC and platelets in blood.
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting
- Hair loss
- Skin reactions
Word of Advice
Decarb 500mg injection can cause harm to a developing fetus or nursing baby, so it is important to discuss contraception options and the need to avoid breastfeeding during treatment. This drug causes fatigue, so encourage the patient to take enough rest and self-care during treatment. It increases the risk of bleeding and bruising, so it is important to be careful when using sharp objects or participating in activities that may result in injury.
FAQs
Q 1. Is Decarb 500mg injection prescribed as a monotherapy?
Decarb 500mg injection is often used as a monotherapy to treat melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer. It may also be used as a monotherapy to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma in patients who cannot tolerate other chemotherapy drugs.
Q 2. How will I receive Decarb 500mg injection?
Decarb 500mg injection is administered into a vein as a short-term infusion over 30 – 60 minutes.
Q 3. Can Decarb 500mg injection be used in combination with other drugs?
Yes, Decarb 500mg injection is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to improve treatment outcomes.
Q 4. Whether Decarb 500mg injection is safe to use during pregnancy?
Decarb 500mg injection is not recommended during pregnancy and it is unsafe because it may harm a developing fetus. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss their treatment options with their doctor immediately.
Q 5. Who should not take Decarb 500mg injection?
Decarb 500mg injection is not recommended for people who are allergic to this drug and any of its ingredients. It should also be avoided in patients who have severe bone marrow suppression or blood cell disorders, as well as those with severe liver or kidney disease.
Q 6. Can I drink alcohol while receiving treatment with Decarb 500mg injection?
It is not recommended to drink alcohol while receiving treatment with Decarb 500mg injection, as it may increase the risk of side effects and interfere with the effectiveness of the drug.
Q 7. Is Decarb 500mg injection light sensitive?
It is recommended to protect Decarb 500mg injection from light during storage and administration to ensure the drug's stability and effectiveness.
Fact Box of Decarb 500mg Injection
Molecule name: Dacarbazine | Therapeutic class: Anti-cancer |
Pharmacological class: Alkylating agents | Indications: 1. Metastatic malignant melanoma 2. Hodgkin’s disease |