Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

PROCARBAZINE - ORAL

(pro-KAR-buh-zeen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Matulane

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.

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.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shakiness, and loss of consciousness.

Notes

Frequent blood tests will be done to monitor therapy. Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If almost time for the next dose, skip the missed and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).