Procarbazine Oral Capsule

Brands: Matulane

Uses

For treating cancer.

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Notify your doctor if vomiting occurs within 1 hour after taking the medicine.

This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Foods containing tyramine can interact with this medicine to cause serious side effects, including a dangerous rise in blood pressure. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or dietitian about foods to avoid.

Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Avoid touching any powder from an open or broken capsule. If the powder touches the skin, nose, or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.

Wear disposable gloves when handling this medicine.

If powder spills from the capsules, wipe it up with a wet paper towel and throw it away immediately in a closed plastic bag. Avoid breathing in the powder.

Always wash your hands after handling this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

This medicine may increase the risk of cancer. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting. Do not stand or sit up quickly.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Avoid smoking while on this medicine. Smoking may increase your risk for serious side effects.

Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed or shows changes in behavior.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
• decreased appetite
• constipation
• dizziness or drowsiness
• dry mouth
• hair loss
• headaches
• joint or muscle pain
• nausea and vomiting
• darkening of the skin
• stomach pain
• increased urinary frequency

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• loss of balance
• bleeding or bruising
• wheezing or difficulty breathing
• chest pain
• confusion
• coughing
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• diarrhea
• fainting
• numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
• severe or persistent headache
• fast or irregular heart beats
• sensitivity to light
• lightheadedness
• mouth sores or irritation
• muscle aches, spasms or abnormal movements
• sore or stiff neck
• restlessness
• seizures
• cold, moist skin
• skin tingling, burning or prickly feeling
• difficulty speaking
• blood in stool
• sweating
• yeast infection of mouth
• blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Extra

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice. There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist. The display and use of this drug information is subject to Terms of Use. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.