Procarbazine

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How does it work?

Procarbazine is one of a group of medicines known as alkylating agents used in the treatment of cancer. It is commonly used in combination with other anti-cancer drugs to treat certain types of cancers of the lymph nodes such as Hodgkin's disease. Cancers form when some cells within the body multiply uncontrollably and abnormally. These cells then spread and destroy nearby tissues. This compound acts by slowing this process down. It kills cancer cells by acting on the DNA (the genetic material within the cells) and preventing them from dividing. Unfortunately, procarbazine also stops the division of normal, healthy cells and therefore it may produce serious side-effects during long-term treatment. The most important side effect is in the bone marrow where blood cells are made. Regular blood tests may therefore be needed to monitor the activity of the bone marrow and prevent the damage from becoming permanent.

What is it used for?

- Cancer of the lymph nodes

Use with caution in

- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
- Disease involving the blood vessels
- Disease involving the heart and blood vessels
- Epilepsy
- Tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)

Not to be used in

- Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Label warnings

- Avoid alcoholic drink whilst taking this medication.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Loss of appetite
- Decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood (leucopenia)
- Decrease in the number of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia)
- Decreased immunity to infections (immunosuppression)
- Nausea and vomiting

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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