procarbazine-oral (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: angina (chest pain), heart or blood vessel problems, recent case of chickenpox, shingles (Herpes zoster), diabetes, seizures, kidney or liver disease, severe/frequent headaches, infection, mental or emotional conditions, thyroid problems, Parkinson's disease, history of alcohol use, radiation therapy, blood diseases, allergies (especially drug allergies). Before having surgery of any kind or emergency treatment, inform the doctor or dentist that you have been receiving this medication. Avoid alcohol while using this medication. Alcohol may cause severe nausea, vomiting, flushing, difficulty breathing and other symptoms when taken while being treated with this drug. Avoid smoking while using this medication. Smoking increases the risk of developing lung cancer while using this drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving). To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Since this drug may cause sun sensitivity, use sunscreens. Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured. Avoid touching your eyes or inside your nose without first washing your hands. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine. Effective birth control measures are recommended for use in men and women while taking this medication. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug. It is not known if procarbazine is excreted into breast milk. Because of the possibility the use of this drug may harm a nursing infant, do not breast-feed while using this drug.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: apraclonidine, brimonidine, bethanidine, bupropion, buspirone, carbamazepine, dextromethorphan, entacapone, herbal products (e.g., ma huang), indoramin, meperidine, papaverine, sibutramine, SSRI antidepressants, sympathomimetics (e.g., methylphenidate, ephedrine), tolcapone, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin), "triptans" (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan). If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting procarbazine. Before using this medication, tell your doctor of all medicines you use, both prescription and nonprescription, especially of: digoxin, levodopa, diabetes drugs, methotrexate, other MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine), caffeine-containing drugs, sleeping medication, tranquilizers, mirtazapine, tryptophan. Do not use any over-the-counter medications such as asthma relief inhalers, decongestant nasal sprays, oral decongestants, or cough medicines that contain dextromethorphan or certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) without first checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Consult your doctor about the need to watch your intake of foods containing tyramine. It is possible consuming tyramine- containing foods while using this medication could cause headache and/or increased blood pressure and could lead to a medical emergency. Tyramine food precautions should be observed for at least 2 weeks after you stop using this medication. The following is a partial list of tyramine-containing foods: Meat or Fish - pickled herring/liver/dry sausage/salami/meats prepared with tenderizer; Dairy - yogurt/sour cream/aged cheeses (cream or cottage cheese are okay); Beverages - beer/red wine/sherry - Avoid excessive amount of caffeine-containing colas/coffee/tea; Fruits and Vegetables - avocado/bananas/figs/raisins/broad beans/sauerkraut; Other - yeast extract/soy sauce/large amounts of chocolate. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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.
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