Procarbazine

About procarbazine

Procarbazine is most often used to treat Hodgkin's disease (lymphadenoma) in combination with other medicines and for some other types of cancer. Procarbazine works by preventing the growth and division of cells and therefore stops them increasing in numbers.

Before taking procarbazine

Before taking procarbazine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are trying for a baby or intend to have children in the future regardless of your sex.
• If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
• If you suffer from heart disease, circulatory problems or high blood pressure.
• If you have had a stroke.
• If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a growth affecting the adrenal glands).
• If you suffer from epilepsy or have a family history of this condition.

How to take procarbazine

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• You must follow the printed instructions you have been given with your medication.
• Procarbazine occasionally cause feeling or being sick. However it is important to keep taking this medicine at regular dosage times even if you begin to feel unwell.
• If you are sick shortly after taking a dose, or you forget a dose, check with your doctor. You will be told whether to take the dose again, or wait until the next dose is due.

Getting the most from your treatment

• You must avoid getting pregnant while taking procarbazine. If you are male, you must not get a woman pregnant. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about suitable contraception.
• Keep your regular appointments with the doctor or hospital so your progress can be checked.
• While you are taking procarbazine, and for a while after you stop treatment, do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking to your doctor first. Procarbazine lowers the body's resistance and there is a chance that you may get an infection from the vaccine.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking procarbazine and for 48 hours after finishing the course. Note: some cough and cold preparations contain alcohol.
• Avoid certain foods like mature cheeses (including processed cheeses), yeast or meat extracts (such as Marmite, Oxo and Bovril), broad bean pods, pickled herring, salami sausage, bologna sausage, overripe fruit, non-alcoholic beers, lagers and wines and other foods which are not fresh, particularly if they have been fermented, pickled, smoked, 'hung' or matured'. If you want to eat or drink anything on the list you could try a little at a time, until you are sure that it doesn't upset you. However, it is advisable to avoid alcohol altogether.
• Procarbazine can lower the number of white cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. You should take certain precautions to reduce the chance of infection. Try to avoid people with infections and check with your doctor if you have the symptoms of an infection, such as fever (high temperature) and a sore throat.

Can procarbazine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

How to store procarbazine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines