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procarbazine - oral, Matulane, Matulane

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GENERIC NAME: PROCARBAZINE - ORAL (pro-KAR-buh-zeen)

BRAND NAME(S): Matulane, Matulane

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Procarbazine is an alkylating chemotherapy drug used along with other chemotherapy drugs to treat Hodgkin's disease (also known as Hodgkin's lymphoma). It works by preventing cancer cells from growing and from creating new cancer cells. Because procarbazine also affects the growth of normal body cells, you will most likely experience side effects while using this drug.Procarbazine also acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. (See also Drug Interactions for cautions regarding use of procarbazine with other drugs and the need to limit the amount of tyramine in your diet.)OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used to treat other cancers such as brain tumors.

HOW TO USE: This is a strong medication and is used in combination with other medicines. Use them exactly as directed by your doctor.Dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, the other drugs used for cancer treatment, and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is based on body size instead of weight.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.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 immediately.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, muscle/joint pain, or darkening of the skin may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, drug treatment may be needed to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Not eating before your treatment may help relieve vomiting. Changes in diet and lifestyle, such as eating several small meals and limiting activity, may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects continue or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist.Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return several months after treatment has ended.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Some people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: black/bloody stools, bloody/pink urine, vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, stomach pain, yellowing eyes/skin, unsteadiness, fainting.Seek immediate medical attention if any of these unlikely but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, vision problems, fast or slow heartbeat, severe headache, seizures, stiff/sore neck, increased sweating (with or without fever), cold/clammy skin, mental/mood changes, tingling/numbness of hands/feet, unusual bleeding/bruising, diarrhea, mouth/lip sores.This medication can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. Tell your doctor if you develop any signs of an infection such as: fever, sore throat, chills, unusual tiredness, lower back or side pain, difficult urination, cough, breathing difficulty, thick mucus/phlegm.Very rarely, people with cancer who are treated with this type of medication have developed other cancers (e.g., secondary leukemia). Your risk is greater if you have received certain types of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Consult your doctor for more details.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.