$Unique_ID{BRK02109}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{PROCARBAZINE}
$Subject{Matulane (Roche)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


PROCARBAZINE
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Matulane (Roche)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antineoplastic (anticancer drug)
INGREDIENT:
     procarbazine
DOSAGE FORM:
     Capsules (50 mg)
STORAGE:
     Procarbazine capsules should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
closed, light-resistant container.

USES

     This medication belongs to a group of drugs known as alkylating agents.
It is used to treat a variety of cancers.  Procarbazine is thought to work by
binding to the rapidly growing cancer cells, thereby preventing their
multiplication and growth.

TREATMENT

     In order to prevent stomach irritation, you can take procarbazine with
food or milk (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     The timing of the dose of this medication is important.  Be sure you
completely understand your doctor's instructions on how and when this
medication should be taken.
     If you miss a dose of this medication and remember within a short period
of time, take the missed dose immediately.  If more than several hours has
passed, check with your doctor to find out when the dose should be taken.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache,
insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.  These side effects may
disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.  However, it is important to
continue taking this medication despite any nausea and vomiting that occur.
     Procarbazine can also cause hair loss (which is reversible when the
medication is stopped).
     This medication can increase your sensitivity to sunlight.  You should,
therefore, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.  Wear protective
clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
     To help relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or
a piece of hard candy.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
unusual bleeding or bruising; bloody or black, tarry stools; blurred vision;
changes in hearing ability; chest pain; chills; confusion; convulsions;
darkening of the skin; depression; difficulty in swallowing; fainting;
flushing; fever; hallucinations; itching; joint pain; lethargy; loss of
coordination; menstrual irregularities; mouth sores; muscle pains;
nervousness; nightmares; skin rash; slurred speech; sore throat; sweating;
tingling sensations; tremors; weakness; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Procarbazine interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Concurrent use of it with central nervous system depressants (such as
alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle
relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, and phenothiazine tranquilizers) or
with tricyclic antidepressants can lead to extreme drowsiness.
     2. Diabetic patients should know that procarbazine can increase the
blood-sugar-lowering effects of insulin and oral antidiabetic medications.
Dosages of these medications may need to be adjusted when procarbazine is
being taken.
     3. The combination of procarbazine with guanethidine, levodopa,
methyldopa, or reserpine can result in excitation and high blood pressure.
     4. Concurrent use of procarbazine with tricyclic antidepressants,
monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, amphetamines, decongestants, or
phenothiazine tranquilizers can lead to severe reactions.  Tricyclic
antidepressants should be stopped seven days before starting procarbazine
therapy, and MAO inhibitors should be stopped 14 days prior to starting
therapy with procarbazine.
     5. Ingestion of alcohol while taking procarbazine can result in fainting,
flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, and weakness.
     Before starting to take procarbazine, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to procarbazine.  Before starting to take this
medication, be sure to tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever
had blood disorders, chronic or recurrent infections, diabetes mellitus,
kidney disease, or liver disease.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy or blurs your vision, avoid
taking part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or
operating potentially dangerous machinery.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * You should not receive any immunizations or vaccinations while taking
this medication.  Procarbazine blocks the effectiveness of vaccines and may
result in an overwhelming infection if a live-virus vaccine is administered.
     * Procarbazine can lower your platelet count, thereby decreasing your
body's ability to form blood clots.  You should, therefore, be especially
careful while brushing your teeth, flossing, or using toothpicks, razors, or
fingernail scissors.  Try to avoid falls and other injuries.
     * While you are taking procarbazine, avoid eating foods containing
tyramine (certain cheeses, soy sauce, fava beans, chicken liver, avocados,
bananas, canned figs, raisins, beer, and certain wines).  The combination can
lead to severe hypertensive (high blood pressure) reactions.
     * Procarbazine can decrease fertility in both men and women.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Birth defects have
been reported in the offspring of both humans and animals that received
procarbazine during pregnancy.  The risks should be discussed with your
doctor.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is
not known whether procarbazine passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
