Procarbazine (Matulane) For the Treatment of Cancer.

Description

It is chemotherapy given for the treatment of cancer.

 

How It Is Given

It is taken by mouth.  Several pills may need to be taken for each dose.

 

Common Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms
• Confusion, restlessness
• Reduced blood counts 
• Muscle and joint aches

Less Common Side Effects

• Drowsiness
• Rapid heart beat.
• Changes in menstruation
• Decreased sperm count
• Rash

Call Your Health Care Provider if You Develop 

• Nausea and vomiting not controlled by medicine
• Rash

Special Concerns

• Ask your health care provider for a written schedule of when to take your medicine.
• Tell your doctor of all medicines you are taking especially MAO inhibitors, a type of anti-depressant.
• Do not drink alcohol as it may cause nausea, vomiting, flushing, or headache.  Do not eat aged cheese or drink wine while taking this medicine as it may cause increased blood pressure. See Nutrition Care for You #154 on Low Tyramine Diet.  Follow this diet during treatment and for two weeks after completion of treatment
• Call your health care provider before taking any over-the-counter medicine.
• Do not stay in the sun for long periods of time because your skin is more sensitive to the sun.  It may burn more easily than normal.  Use a sunscreen lotion with a SPF of 15 or greater.

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 06/07/2007

Reproduced with permission from the 1989-2007 United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. Printed in 3/2007 by the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority, Department of Nursing, Madison WI. UWH #5614

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