PROCARBAZINE
About
PROCARBAZINE belongs to the group of anti-cancer drugs and chemotherapeutic agents. PROCARBAZINE is used to treat cancers and malignant conditions such as Hodgkin’s disease (cancer that originates in the white blood cells) and certain brain tumours.
PROCARBAZINE contains ‘’Procarbazine.’’ Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. PROCARBAZINE interferes with the growth of cells, nipping it in the bud. It functions by inhibiting the molecular production of materials such as proteins and DNA necessary for cell growth and division.
PROCARBAZINE is a prescription-only medicine. It may be taken as a tablet at the same time every day. PROCARBAZINE may be taken with or without food. It should be swallowed as a whole and not chewed or broken down. Avoid consuming PROCARBAZINE with certain foods like cheese, smoked fish, fermented wine and meat.
In some cases, PROCARBAZINE may cause common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, bruising, cramps, rash and loss of appetite. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if these side effects persist.
It is advisable to inform your doctor if you are allergic to PROCARBAZINE or any of its components. Keep your doctor informed if you suffer from kidney or liver disease, bleeding problems, anaemia or recurrent infections. Keep your doctor informed if you are on any radiation therapy. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding before taking PROCARBAZINE as PROCARBAZINE is not recommended for routine use in these states. Consult your doctor before taking alcohol with PROCARBAZINE as there may be an interaction. Avoid smoking while taking PROCARBAZINE.
Uses of PROCARBAZINE
Medicinal Benefits
PROCARBAZINE is an antineoplastic/anti-cancer drug. It contains PROCARBAZINE. It is used primarily in the treatment of cancers, especially Hodgkin’s lymphoma. PROCARBAZINE shows antineoplastic activity, meaning it targets neoplastic (abnormally growing cells) in the body and inhibits their uncontrolled division and growth. PROCARBAZINE works by preventing DNA, RNA and protein synthesis required for the molecular development of cells. PROCARBAZINE also acts by destroying DNA, thereby arresting cell growth in the roots. Hence, PROCARBAZINE is very effective in cancer therapy.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of PROCARBAZINE
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Rash
- Bruising
- Loss of appetite
- Hair loss
- Joint pains
- Difficulty sleeping
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
PROCARBAZINE should not be used in case of any known allergy to either of the components. Avoid foods such as processed cheese, smoked fish, meats, overripe fruit, fermented wine, and yeast while taking PROCARBAZINE. PROCARBAZINE should be used with caution in case of high-risk or previous history cancers, cardiovascular health disorders, bleeding disorders, kidney disease, liver disease or anaemia. Keep your doctor informed of your medical history and if you suffer from epilepsy, an adrenal tumour such as phaeochromocytoma, or have had a stroke. Consult your doctor before using PROCARBAZINE during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or even if you are trying to get pregnant. Keep your doctor informed if you are on painkillers or using any nasal decongestants or anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, antiepileptic, anaesthetic or analgesic medications. Keep your doctor informed in case you are undergoing any radiation therapy. Inform your doctor of your vaccination history and do not take any vaccines without consent. Avoid contact with those who have recently received live vaccines (like the nasal flu, pox, or MMR vaccine). PROCARBAZINE makes your skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing while venturing out in the sun. PROCARBAZINE may interact with alcohol, please consult your doctor before use. PROCARBAZINE may cause dizziness and is not recommended to take while driving or operating heavy machinery.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: PROCARBAZINE may interact with painkillers (pethidine), ADHD medicines (atomoxetine, bupropion, buspirone), anti-migraine drugs (triptans), narcotics (methadone, tapentadol), certain supplements (such as tryptophan, tyramine), certain drugs for Parkinson's disease (entacapone, levodopa, tolcapone), diet-pills and food suppressants (diethylpropion), antipsychotic (clozapine), antihypertensives (ramipril, enalapril, losartan), antiepileptics (phenytoin, carbamazepine) and anti-depressants (fluoxetine, duloxetine, venlafaxine, St John’s wort).
Drug-Food Interactions: PROCARBAZINE can interact with alcohol and tobacco.
Drug-Disease Interactions: PROCARBAZINE should be used with caution in patients with a known hypersensitivity disorder, asthma, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, stroke, heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, blood disorder, clotting problems and non-cancerous tumours such as phaeochromocytoma.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeDo not consume alcohol with PROCARBAZINE as there may be an interaction, causing vomiting, cramps, sweating and flushing of the face. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
unsafePROCARBAZINE is not recommended for use in pregnancy. It is not safe during the first trimester. If you are pregnant, inform your doctor before taking PROCARBAZINE.
Breast Feeding
unsafePROCARBAZINE is not recommended for use during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
cautionPROCARBAZINE may cause dizziness or loss of alertness, which may affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionPROCARBAZINE is not recommended for use if you have pre-existing liver disease. Hence, please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Kidney
cautionPROCARBAZINE is not recommended for use if you have pre-existing kidney disease. Hence, please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Children
cautionPROCARBAZINE should be used with caution and only in prescribed doses in children below 12 years of age. Please consult your child's doctor if you have any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
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Keep your doctor informed if you are planning to or are pregnant.
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Cancer can take a toll on anyone. Make sure you regularly see a therapist and take care of your mental health.
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Meditation and yoga have also proven very effective in helping cancer patients maintain a healthy attitude and body.
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Cut back on foods that are high in tyramine such as overripe fruit, processed cheese, smoked fish, meat etc. Eat more healthy meats, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods to give you more energy.
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Avoid taking PROCARBAZINE with alcohol as there may be an interaction.
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Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water as dehydration is often seen in cancers.
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Taking a stroll in the garden, or spending 30 mins of your time doing some light physical activity can be very useful. However, do not over-exert yourself if you feel too tired.
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Avoid tobacco use as smoking can increase the chances of lung cancer when used with PROCARBAZINE. Inform your doctor in case of marijuana use.
Special Advise
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Take PROCARBAZINE exactly as prescribed.
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In case you miss a dose of PROCARBAZINE, take it as soon as possible. However, revert to the original schedule if it is too close to the next dose. Do not ever take a double dose.
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Please inform your doctor immediately if you accidentally take an extra dose of PROCARBAZINE. Some common symptoms of an overdose can be low blood pressure, slow pulse, shortness of breath, low blood sugar, fits, dizziness, feeling sick and discolouration of the skin.
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Do not discontinue taking PROCARBAZINE abruptly or without the advice of the physician.
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Please know that your doctor may order blood tests to check your tolerance and need of PROCARBAZINE.
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Avoid getting out in the sun after taking PROCARBAZINE and if you do, make sure you use a potent sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hodgkin’s Disease: Hodgkin’s disease or lymphoma is a blood cancer of a certain type of cells called WBCs, specifically lymphocytes. Lymphocytes normally help control infection and maintain the body's normal immunity. However, in a cancerous state, there is an abnormal multiplication of these blood cells causing many problems such as fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, itching, night sweats and lymph node swelling.
FAQs
PROCARBAZINE works by reducing the workload on the heart and vessels and relaxing the vessels to ensure a fluid flow of blood, easing any hypertension and effects of the same.
Please consult your physician before altering your chemotherapy as any misguided change can cause serious side effects. One of the side effects of PROCARBAZINE is also hair loss. Hence it is best to discuss your treatment plan with your doctor.
If you suffer from IBD, you may be on anticholinergic therapy which may interfere with PROCARBAZINE. Please consult your doctor before use and discuss any concerns with your doctor.
PROCARBAZINE is known to play a role in the treatment of various types of cancer, however, it is not routinely indicated in the treatment of breast cancer. Only proceed once a doctor has prescribed the same because the treatment for breast cancer is nuanced.
PROCARBAZINE is known to affect fertility. Avoid PROCARBAZINE if you are trying to get pregnant. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
