Uses of undefined

Procarbazine is an alkylating agent used to treat specific types of Hodgkin’s disease. It is also used  alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents to produce regression in a variety of tumour types such as lymphomas and gliomas. 

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

It is an orally available prescription drug. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the Procarbazine based on the disease condition and other factors. Always take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Take the capsule with or without food. Do not break, chew, or crush the capsule. Swallow the whole capsule with water.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Procarbazine is not recommended in patients with lung disease as it may cause inflammation in lung tissue with symptoms including shortness of breath, cough, and a burning sensation in the chest. If you face symptoms of lung disease, report to the physician immediately within 24 hours. The drug may cause severe hepatotoxicity. Inform your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms related to the liver disorder, such as persistent vomiting, feeling sick, feeling tired, yellowing of the skin, or the whitening of the eyes ( jaundice). Your doctor may suggest an alternative medicine or dose adjustments can be done.

Precautions

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Avoid consuming wine, yogurt, mature cheese, bananas, high tyramine-content foods like smoked or pickled meat, and fermented sausage while being treated with this medicine. Inform your physician if you have any liver disease, lung disease, blood/bleeding problems, or infection and about all the other prescribed, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, or herbal medications you take. This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often. 

Side Effects

The common side effects of Procarbazine are skin rash, slurred speech, loss of appetite, edema, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, allergic reactions, urinary disturbances, pain, weakness, depression, nervousness, nightmares, fever, sweating, chills, and hallucinations. Other serious side effects include liver disorder, infertility, lowering of white blood cell counts, and Inflammation of lung tissue. Inform your physician if you face any of the symptoms.

Word Of Advice

Procarbazine can affect your blood cell counts, so your doctor may need to monitor your blood levels regularly while you're taking this medication. Very close clinical monitoring is mandatory in paediatric disease conditions. This medicine can cause fertility issues, inform your doctor about any fertility concerns you may have before starting treatment with this medicine. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Store at 15°C-30°C. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Frequently Asked Question

• Who is contraindicated from taking Procarbazine?
• Procarbazine is not recommended in patients with bone marrow and kidney disorders.

• What happens if I overdose on Procarbazine?
• Overdose of Procarbazine can cause nausea, enteritis, vomiting, diarrhea, tremor, convulsions, and coma.

• Whether Procarbazine is safe during pregnancy?
• Procarbazine is unsafe for pregnant women as it may harm the unborn baby.

• Can Procarbazine Cause Infertility?
• Yes, Procarbazine causes infertility. It is advisable to talk with your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant during the treatment.

• Does Procarbazine Cause bone marrow depression?
• Yes, Bone Marrow Depression often occurs 2 to 8 weeks after the start of treatment. Talk to your physician immediately if the symptoms persist.