Brand: Matulane
Generic: Procarbazine
Matulane is an antineoplastic drug (cancer drug). It is used to treat stage 3 and 4 of Hodgkin lymphoma. It stops the growth of cancer cells by preventing protein, RNA, and DNA synthesis.
It can affect the growth of normal body cells as well. Procarbazine is available in the form of capsule only with your doctor’s prescription.
If you are about to start Matulane, speak with your doctor about what you need to know.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any food, preservatives, dyes, or had an allergic reaction when you used this drug before.
It is not known to be used in children. However, it is not expected to cause any different side effects than adults.
They are more sensitive to Procarbazine effects. It should be used with caution if there are kidney problems.
It is a category D drug. It is not safe to use during pregnancy as it may cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not become pregnant while using Procarbazine.
There are no adequate studies which prove that Procarbazine passes into breast milk. It is safe not to breastfeed while using it. If you are using Procarbazine while nursing, discuss it with your doctor for possible risk factors.
Procarbazine may interact with other drugs. Your doctor should be informed of any other medicines which you are taking. He/she may want to change the dosage or drug.
Some of them are listed below,
Several other conditions may reduce its effectiveness. Make sure you inform your doctor of conditions such as,
To use Matulane properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Read the medication guide carefully. Ask your pharmacist if you have any queries. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Procarbazine may be taken with or without food. If you have a vomiting shortly after you take medicine inform your doctor, he/she may tell you if you have to take the dose again or take it as per schedule.
It is different for different patients. Dosage mentioned below is an average dose. You must follow your doctor’s command.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it almost a time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your daily schedule. Do not double the dose.
Store it at room temperature. Keep it away from children.
In using Matulane, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. Your doctor should check your daily progress at regular visits.
He may want to do a blood test to check any unwanted effects. It may raise blood pressure to very high level.
Do not drink alcohol and caffeine-containing beverages (chocolate, coffee, tea, or cola) while using Procarbazine.
These drinks and food should also be avoided at least 2 weeks after you stop taking Procarbazine as this drug may have some effects till 14 days of its use.
Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medications that are CNS depressants (sedatives, tranquilizers, barbiturates, antihistamines, muscle relaxants or anesthetics) while taking Procarbazine. It will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants.
These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Procarbazine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
It is a bone marrow suppressant. It temporarily reduces your white blood cells and platelets, and so making you susceptible to infections and bleeding.
Do not get vaccinated during and after some time of the treatment.
While using this drug you should avoid people with the infection.
Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick. Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such as a safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters.
It may alter your blood sugar levels. Keep a track on your blood sugar level.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Procarbazine or have used it within past 2 weeks before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Procarbazine may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Use sunscreen.
As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Matulane. Some people may experience none or minor side effects. Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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