Brand Names: Hexalen

Generic Name: altretamine (Pronunciation: all TREH tah mean)

• What is altretamine (Hexalen)?
• What are the possible side effects of altretamine (Hexalen)?
• What is the most important information I should know about altretamine (Hexalen)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking altretamine (Hexalen)?
• How should I take altretamine (Hexalen)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Hexalen)?
• What happens if I overdose (Hexalen)?
• What should I avoid while taking altretamine (Hexalen)?
• What other drugs will affect altretamine (Hexalen)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is altretamine (Hexalen)?

Altretamine is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Altretamine interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Altretamine is used to treat cancer of the ovaries.

Altretamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Hexalen

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What are the possible side effects of altretamine (Hexalen)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; difficulty breathing; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
• decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, or signs of infection);
• pain, tremors, tingling, burning, or prickling in hands or feet;
• mood changes;
• severe drowsiness or loss of consciousness;
• loss of coordination, weakness, dizziness, unsteadiness or falling; or
• severe nausea or vomiting.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience:

• temporary hair loss;
• itching or rash; or
• mild to moderate nausea or vomiting.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Hexalen (altretamine) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about altretamine (Hexalen)?

Altretamine should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of altretamine including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat); neurologic problems (mood disorders, altered consciousness, weakness, dizziness, vertigo); and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with altretamine.