da-KAR-ba-zeen
High Alert
Absorption: IV administration results in complete bioavailability.
Distribution: Widely distributed to tissues; probably concentrates in liver; some CNS penetration.
Half-Life: 5 hr (↑ in renal and hepatic impairment).
(effects on blood counts)
| ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| IV (WBCs) | 16–20 days | 21–25 days | 3–5 days |
| IV (platelets) | unknown | 16 days | 3–5 days |
Contraindicated in:
Pregnancy
;Use Cautiously in:
Derm: alopecia, facial flushing, photosensitivity, rash
Endo: gonadal suppression
GI: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, HEPATIC NECROSIS, hepatic vein thrombosis
Hemat: anemia leukopenia thrombocytopenia
Local: pain at IV site, phlebitis at IV site, tissue necrosis
MS: myalgia
Neuro: facial paresthesia, malaise
Misc: ANAPHYLAXIS, fever, flu-like syndrome
Drug-drug:
Malignant Melanoma
Hodgkin Disease
Monitor for bone marrow suppression. Assess for bleeding (bleeding gums; bruising; petechiae; guaiac stools, urine, and emesis), and avoid IM injections and rectal temperatures if platelet count is low. Apply pressure to venipuncture sites for 10 min. Assess for signs of infection during neutropenia. Anemia may occur. Monitor for ↑ fatigue, dyspnea, and orthostatic hypotension.
Lab Test Considerations:
Monitor CBC with differential prior to and periodically throughout therapy. The nadir of thrombocytopenia occurs in 16 days. The nadir of leukopenia occurs in 3–4 wk. Recovery begins in 5 days. Withhold dose and notify physician if platelet count <100,000/mm3 or WBC count <4000/mm3.
Monitor for ↑ AST, ALT, BUN, and serum creatinine. May cause hepatic necrosis.
Administer under supervision of a physician experienced in use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
IV Administration:
May cause fetal harm. Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care provider if pregnancy is planned or suspected and to avoid breastfeeding during therapy. Advise patient of the need for a nonhormonal method of contraception.
NDC Code