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Zicarb 500mg Injection

Salt Composition: DACARBAZINE

₹436.00₹544.69

Inclusive of all taxes

Categories: Oncology

Conditions: Anti Cancer

Product Introduction

Zicarb 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) and 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 including Hodgkin's lymphoma, and dacarbazine with temozolomide for the treatment of melanoma. There may be an increased risk of certain types of non-melanoma skin cancer with the use of this medicine.

This drug is contraindicated in pregnant women. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during and for at least 6 months after treatment with this drug. It is not known whether Zicarb 500mg Injection is excreted in human milk, so breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment.

The drug should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing liver or kidney dysfunction. Do not receive a live vaccine while having Zicarb 500mg Injection, as this medicine may weaken your immune system and increase the likelihood of serious infection.

Zicarb 500mg Injection may cause pain along the vein. If you experience pain, inform your nurse immediately so that the infusion site can be checked. The drug may be administered more slowly or flushed through with additional fluids to reduce pain.

Treatment should not be started if your white blood cell (leukocyte) counts have fallen below determined levels. Your doctor will assess these values at regular intervals. This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to dacarbazine.

Before each administration you will have blood tests to confirm you have adequate blood cells to receive this medicine. It is usually administered once every three to four weeks.

Inform your physician about all medications you have been taking recently, including herbal medicines and supplements, before taking Zicarb 500mg Injection.

Uses

Metastatic malignant melanoma Hodgkin’s disease

How it works

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.

How to Use

The medicine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. This 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 cancer being treated. Zicarb 500mg Injection 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.

Side Effects

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

Expert Tips

Zicarb 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. Zicarb 500mg Injection 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.

References

  1. Medac, [Revised on Jul 2020] [Accessed on 27th March 2023] https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/1d9264f6-b924-4af9-9b27-af9c9593d4a3.pdf
  2. Hospira, Inc., [Revised on Apr 2021] [Accessed on 27th March 2023], http://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=5938
  3. Devendra Choudhary, Hanmant Goykar, Dnyaneshwar Kalyane, Nagaraja Sreeharsha, Rakesh K.Tekade, Prodrug design for improving the biopharmaceutical properties of therapeutic drugs, The Future of Pharmaceutical Product Development and Research, 1st Edition, 2020, 179-226.
  4. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Chemotherapy of neoplastic diseases, 12th edition, 2011, 1686 and 1687.
  5. Bertram. G. Katzung, Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, Cancer Chemotherapeutic drugs, 14th edition, 2017, 956.
  6. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anticancer drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 861.

Safety Advice

Pregnancy: unsafe Zicarb 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.

Lungs: Consult your doctor Inform your doctor if you have any lung problems before taking Zicarb 500mg Injection. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended.

Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor It is not known if Zicarb 500mg Injection passes into your breast milk or if it will affect your baby. Please consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Self-medication can be harmful. Med For Rare does not endorse self-diagnosis or self-treatment.

Written By: Muskan Patel, M.Pharm

Reviewed By: Dr. Vishwa Patel, MBBS