GENERIC NAME: PROCARBAZINE - ORAL (pro-KAR-buh-zeen)
BRAND NAME(S): Matulane
Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: Procarbazine is used to treat Hodgkin's disease. It works by not allowing the cells to grow or form new cells.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to treat other cancers.
HOW TO USE: This is a potent medication and is used in combination with other medicines. Use them exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication, even if you feel nauseated or experience vomiting. However, if you vomit shortly after a dose, contact your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, tiredness, weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, darkening of the skin, muscle twitching, trouble sleeping or temporary hair loss may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly. Stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention if you experience: severe chest pain, vision problems, fast or slow heartbeat, severe headache, seizures, stiff or sore neck, increased sweating (with or without fever), cold/clammy skin, mood/mental changes, tingling or numbness of hands or feet, unusual bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience: unusual fatigue, cough, lower back or side pain, difficult urination, easy bruising, black stools, blood in urine or stools, bloody "coffee ground" vomit, stomach pain, breathing difficulty, thick mucous/phlegm, sores in mouth or on lips, yellowing of eyes or skin, diarrhea, unsteadiness, rash/hives/itching, missed menstrual period, fainting. This medication can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of an infection such as: fever, sore throat, chills. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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.
- Hodgkin's Disease - Find out more about Hodgkin's disease, a cancer of the lymphatic system with symptoms that include unexplained, recurring fevers, unexplained weight loss, itchy skin, and painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, and groin. Treatment for adult Hodgkin's disease depends on the staging of the disease, the lymph nodes' size, and the health of the patient.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows