Dabaz 500 Injection (Dacarbazine): Comprehensive Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Fever, chills, or sore throat (signs of infection)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising (e.g., nosebleeds, gum bleeding, blood in urine or stool)
- Severe nausea and vomiting that prevents keeping fluids down
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, or throat (allergic reaction)
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Decreased urine output or swelling in legs
- Severe abdominal pain
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is dacarba 500mg injection used for?
Dacarbazine 500 mg injection is a chemotherapy medicine used to treat metastatic melanoma and Hodgkin lymphoma. It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing their growth. It is given intravenously by a healthcare professional and requires regular blood tests to monitor for side effects like low blood counts.
- Generic Name: Dacarbazine (500mg)
- Manufacturer: Chandra Bhagat Pharma Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 dacarba 500mg injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा डैकार्बाज़ीन 500 मिलीग्राम इंजेक्शन के रूप में एक कीमोथेरेपी दवा है, जिसका उपयोग मुख्य रूप से मेटास्टेटिक मेलेनोमा (त्वचा के कैंसर का एक गंभीर रूप) और हॉजकिन लिंफोमा के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह कैंसर कोशिकाओं के डीएनए को नुकसान पहुंचाकर उनकी वृद्धि को रोकती है। यह दवा अस्पताल या क्लिनिक में डॉक्टर या नर्स द्वारा नस के माध्यम से दी जाती है। इसे घर पर स्वयं नहीं लगाया जा सकता।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, उल्टी, भूख न लगना, थकान और बालों का झड़ना शामिल हैं। रक्त कोशिकाओं की संख्या कम हो सकती है, जिससे संक्रमण, रक्तस्राव और एनीमिया का खतरा बढ़ जाता है। इंजेक्शन लगाने की जगह पर दर्द, लालिमा या सूजन हो सकती है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में गंभीर रक्त विकार, लीवर की समस्या और एलर्जी प्रतिक्रिया शामिल हैं। कोई भी असामान्य लक्षण दिखने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर को बताएं।
सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा केवल कैंसर रोग विशेषज्ञ की देखरेख में अस्पताल या क्लिनिक में ही दी जानी चाहिए। इसे स्वयं न लगाएं। हर खुराक से पहले रक्त की जांच की जाएगी। संक्रमण से बचें क्योंकि आपकी रोग प्रतिरोधक क्षमता कमजोर हो सकती है। इस दवा के दौरान और बाद में गर्भधारण से बचें। शराब और अंगूर का सेवन न करें। पर्याप्त पानी पिएं। बुखार, असामान्य रक्तस्राव या एलर्जी के लक्षण दिखने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
💊 dacarba 500mg injection Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Metastatic malignant melanoma","description":"This medicine is used as a single agent or in combination with other drugs for the treatment of metastatic melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Hodgkin lymphoma","description":"This medicine is part of combination chemotherapy regimens such as ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) for the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Soft tissue sarcoma","description":"Sometimes used in combination regimens for soft tissue sarcomas, though this is less common.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Neuroendocrine tumors","description":"Occasionally used in combination chemotherapy for neuroendocrine tumors, but this is not a standard approved indication.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Pediatric solid tumors","description":"Rarely used in some pediatric solid tumors, but pediatric dosing is not well established.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Metastatic malignant melanoma
Also treats: Hodgkin lymphoma, Soft tissue sarcoma
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Dacarbazine (500mg) |
| Brand Name | dacarba 500mg injection |
| Manufacturer | Chandra Bhagat Pharma Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI NEOPLASTICS |
| Action Class | Alkylating agent |
| Route of Administration | Intravenous (IV) infusion. This medicine is given as an intravenous infusion over 30 to 60 minutes. It may also be administered as an intravenous push over 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the protocol |
| Storage | Store the unreconstituted vials in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Protect from light. Do not freeze. After reconstitution, the solution should be used immediately. If not used immediately, store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C for up to 24 hours. Discard any unused portion. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life of the unreconstituted product is typically 24 months from the date of manufacture. Check the expiration date on the vial. After reconstitution, use within 24 hours if refrigerated. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
Dacarbazine is a prodrug that requires metabolic activation in the liver. It is metabolized to an active intermediate that alkylates DNA, forming cross-links between DNA strands. This cross-linking prevents DNA replication and transcription, leading to cell death. The cytotoxic effect is cell cycle non-specific, meaning it affects cells in all phases of the cell cycle, although it is most active in the S phase. This medicine also has some antineoplastic activity through inhibition of RNA and protein synthesis.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take dacarba 500mg injection
Strength: This medicine is available as a lyophilized powder for injection in a 500 mg single-dose vial. After reconstitution with sterile water for injection, the concentration is typically 10 mg/mL.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine for metastatic malignant melanoma is 200 to 250 mg per square meter of body surface area per day for 5 consecutive days, repeated every 3 to 4 weeks. Alternatively, a single dose of 850 mg per square meter may be given every 3 to 4 weeks. For Hodgkin lymphoma, it is used in combination regimens such as ABVD, where the dose is 375 mg per square meter on days 1 and 15 of a 28-day cycle. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and blood counts. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatric oncologist for dosing in children. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, especially bone marrow suppression. Dose selection should be cautious, and monitoring should be more frequent. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Renal Impairment | Dose adjustment may be necessary in patients with renal impairment. Monitor renal function closely. Consult a clinician for specific dosing recommendations. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Dose adjustment may be necessary in patients with hepatic impairment. Monitor liver function closely. Consult a clinician for specific dosing recommendations. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose is not fixed and depends on the specific regimen. For the 5-day regimen, the daily dose is typically 200-250 mg/m². For the single-dose regimen, it is 850 mg/m². Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your oncologist. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of dacarba 500mg injection
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Live vaccines | Major | |
| Myelosuppressive agents | Major | |
| CYP1A2 inhibitors | Major | |
| CYP3A4 inducers | Moderate | |
| Warfarin | Moderate | |
| Alcohol | Moderate | |
| Grapefruit | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Live vaccines
- Myelosuppressive agents (e.g., other chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy)
- CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., ciprofloxacin, fluvoxamine)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin)
- Warfarin
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while receiving this medicine because it can worsen nausea, vomiting, and may increase the risk of liver toxicity. It can also add to the fatigue and dizziness caused by this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known severe hypersensitivity to dacarbazine or any component of the formulation.","Severe bone marrow suppression.","Pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.","Breastfeeding."]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine should be administered only by healthcare professionals experienced in cancer chemotherapy.","Bone marrow suppression is common and can be severe; monitor blood counts closely.","Avoid live vaccines during treatment.","Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after.","Avoid alcohol and grapefruit during treatment.","Report any signs of infection, bleeding, or allergic reactions immediately.","This medicine can cause secondary cancers; long-term follow-up is recommended.","Hepatic and renal function should be monitored; dose adjustments may be needed."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether dacarbazine is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.
💊 Overdose Management
There is no specific antidote for dacarbazine overdose. Management should be symptomatic and supportive. Patients should be monitored closely for bone marrow suppression, gastrointestinal toxicity, and other adverse effects. Blood counts should be checked frequently, and transfusions or growth factors may be required. In case of overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency department immediately.
⏰ Missed Dose
This medicine is administered by a healthcare professional in a clinic or hospital setting. If you miss an appointment for your dose, contact your doctor or clinic as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not attempt to self-administer this medicine.
Additional Safety Advice
This medicine must be given only under the supervision of a qualified oncologist in a hospital or clinic setting. It is not for self-administration. Before each dose, your doctor will check your blood counts to make sure it is safe to proceed. You should avoid contact with people who have infections, as your immune system may be weakened. Do not receive any live vaccines while on this medicine. Use effective contraception during treatment and for some time after, as this medicine can harm an unborn baby. Avoid alcohol while on this medicine as it may worsen nausea and liver effects. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially if you have vomiting or diarrhea. Report any signs of infection, unusual bleeding, or bruising immediately. Do not breastfeed while receiving this medicine. Keep all appointments for blood tests and follow-up visits.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may be more susceptible to the toxic effects of this medicine, especially bone marrow suppression, liver toxicity, and kidney toxicity. Doses should be selected cautiously, and monitoring should be more frequent. Discuss any concerns with your oncologist.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
This medicine can cause fetal harm and is contraindicated during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Men should also use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after. If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before starting treatment.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you have recently had surgery, inform your doctor before receiving this medicine. It can affect wound healing and increase the risk of bleeding and infection. Your doctor will assess whether it is safe to proceed with treatment.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Before any dental procedure, inform your dentist that you are receiving this medicine. It can increase the risk of bleeding and infection. Your dentist may recommend postponing elective procedures until your blood counts recover. Always consult your oncologist before dental work.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
While receiving this medicine, you may experience fatigue and low blood counts, which can increase the risk of bleeding and infection. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that may cause injury. Light exercise, such as walking, is generally safe if you feel up to it. Consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine can cause fatigue, nausea, and low blood counts, which may affect your ability to work and perform daily activities. You may need to take time off from work during treatment cycles. Driving and operating machinery should be avoided if you feel dizzy or fatigued. Discuss your work schedule with your doctor to plan around treatment and recovery.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine without consulting your oncologist. Treatment duration and discontinuation depend on your response, side effects, and overall health. If you experience severe side effects, your doctor may adjust the dose or delay treatment. Never self-discontinue.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine may increase the risk of secondary cancers, such as acute leukemia. It can also cause persistent bone marrow suppression, liver toxicity, and kidney damage. Regular follow-up with blood tests and imaging is necessary to monitor for these effects. Patients should be advised to report any new or unusual symptoms promptly.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
For melanoma with specific mutations (e.g., BRAF), targeted therapies may be used instead of or in addition to chemotherapy.
Evidence: Well-establishedImmune checkpoint inhibitors are now standard for metastatic melanoma and may be used alone or in combination.
Evidence: Well-establishedMay be used for palliation of symptoms or in combination with chemotherapy.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
Live vaccines should not be administered during treatment with this medicine because of the risk of serious infections. Inactivated vaccines may be given, but their effectiveness may be reduced due to immunosuppression. Consult your doctor before receiving any vaccine.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store unreconstituted vials in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C.
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze the vials.
✅ DO
Protect from light by keeping in the original carton.
❌ DON'T
Do not expose to direct sunlight.
✅ DO
Use reconstituted solution within 24 hours if refrigerated.
❌ DON'T
Do not use if the solution is discolored or contains particles.
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
If you need to travel while on this medicine, carry it in its original packaging with the prescription label. Keep a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining the need for the medicine. Store it in a cool, dry place, and if refrigeration is required, use a cooler bag. Check with airlines and customs about carrying injectable medicines. Plan your travel around your treatment schedule to avoid missing doses. Always inform your doctor before traveling.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: The effects of this medicine on tumors may take several weeks to become apparent. Your doctor will monitor your response with regular scans and blood tests.
A: No, this medicine must be given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting because it requires careful monitoring and management of side effects.
A: Avoid alcohol, grapefruit, live vaccines, and contact with people who have infections. Use effective contraception and avoid breastfeeding.
A: No, this medicine can harm an unborn baby and is contraindicated during pregnancy. Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for dacarba 500mg injection
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
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dacarb 500mg injectionGetwell Oncology Pvt Ltd ₹540.90 43.1% CHEAPER
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celdaz 500 injectionCelon Laboratories Ltd ₹554.06 41.7% CHEAPER
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dabaz 500 injectionIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹554.23 41.7% CHEAPER
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melarylz 500mg injectionTaj Pharma India Ltd ₹915.00 3.7% CHEAPER
-
dacarex 500mg injectionAlkem Laboratories Ltd ₹919.54 3.2% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Dacarbazine can be taken at home.
Fact: Dacarbazine must be given in a hospital or clinic by a healthcare professional because it can cause serious side effects and requires monitoring. - Myth: Dacarbazine is safe during pregnancy.
Fact: Dacarbazine can harm an unborn baby and is contraindicated during pregnancy. - Myth: Dacarbazine has no long-term side effects.
Fact: Dacarbazine can cause secondary cancers and other long-term effects; regular follow-up is necessary.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Dacarbazine
Brand Alternatives
- Dabaz 500 injection