Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: ALTRETAMINE - ORAL (al-TRET-uh-meen)
BRAND NAME(S): Hexalen
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: Because altretamine can cause blood problems (e.g., bone marrow suppression, thrombocytopenia), blood tests must be done before starting this drug and at least once a month thereafter. This drug can also cause nervous system problems; therefore, nervous system tests must be done during treatment with this drug. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop signs of blood disorders or nervous system problems such as persistent fever or sore throat, easy bruising or bleeding, loss of coordination, mood changes, dizziness, tingling of the hands or feet.
USES: Altretamine is an anticancer medication used to treat ovarian cancer.
HOW TO USE: This medication is taken by mouth as directed usually after meals and at bedtime. This is usually taken in a cycle for 14 or 21 days then stopped for 14 or 21 days. Do not increase your dose, take this more often or stop taking this without first consulting your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or weakness may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: a rapid heartbeat, fainting, tingling of the hands or feet, mental confusion, mood changes, dizziness, incoordination, fever, sore throat, skin rash, chills, unusual bleeding or bruising. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: a seizure disorder, nervous system disease, blood disorders, allergies (especially drug allergies). If this medication makes you feel dizzy, use caution driving or operating machinery. Rise from a seated position slowly and be careful on stairs. Altretamine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for details. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. The manufacturer of this drug recommends that breast-feeding be stopped while using this medication. Consult your doctor.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Ovarian Cancer - Get information on ovarian cancer symptoms, diagnosis, tests, staging, research, surgery and risk factors. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
- Cancer - Learn about cancer types, disease statistics, facts, and survival rates, and get information about how malignant tumors (cancerous growths) metastasize or spread.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows