Procarbazine (also called Matulane or possibly Natulan) is a chemotherapy agent used in the treatment of Hodgkin's Lymphoma / Disease and Nonhodgkin's Lymphoma. It comes in capsule form and is taken by mouth. It is more often than not used in conjunction with other chemotherapy agents in a multidrug regimen. It is an antineoplastic - procarbazine interferes with the growth of cancer cells. It does this by acting as an alkylating agent and a MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor.
Before taking this medicine: Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take, including the drug digoxin, or medicines containing phenylpropanolamine or pseudoephedrine. Inform your medical doctor of any other medical conditions or allergies or if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Dosing: Ask your doctor for exact dose and instructions if you forget a dose. On overdose contact emergency help immediately (US: dial 911).
While taking this medicine: Do not drink alcohol or items that contain alcohol - it can cause a drug interaction and increase sedation. Avoid eating foods containing a high tyramine content, even up to two weeks after the last treatment (one effect is extreme pain). Some foods may be:
| alcohol |
avocados |
bananas |
| bologna/hot dogs |
canned figs |
chocolate |
| cheese |
liver |
meats |
| soy sauce |
prepared herring |
pepperoni |
| fava beans |
raisins |
papaya |
| salami |
sausage |
sour cream |
| yogurt |
yeast |
|
Your medical team may have a better list and should be consulted prior to starting on this medicine. The drug may cause a rash or intensify sunburn in areas exposed to the sun or a sunlamp. You may want to wear sunscreen or protective clothing if going outside, even up to 4 weeks after your last treatment. Procarbazine lowers blood counts so follow medical advice regarding bleeding and avoiding contact with sick people. There are most likely other restrictions which you should consult your doctor about.
Short Term Side Effects: Common: nausea and vomiting (ask your doctor about drugs to counteract nausea like
zofran or
kytril),
peripheral neuropathy (numbness in hands and/or feet),
hair loss, pounding heartbeat or shortness of breath,
fatigue, dizziness when moving, dry mouth, constipation, difficult urination. Possible: fainting, severe headache, joint, muscle or chest pain, abnormal bleeding, insomnia, mouth sores, depression.
Long Term Side Effects: procarbazine may be toxic to the liver. Talk to your medical team on follow-up studies on blood counts.
Some of the regimens using procarbazine:
• MOPP (Hodgkin's Disease - a "P")
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Resources
Detailed information from Healthtouch (US)
Information sheet from CanCareSA (Australia)
Manufacturer
Roche Laboratories
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Conditions:
For more information on Hodgkin's Lymphoma, please see the following pages:
Adult Hodgkin's Disease: Chemotherapy
Adult Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Treatment
Adult Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Introduction
Childhood Hodgkin's Disease: Chemotherapy
Childhood Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Treatment
Childhood Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Introduction
