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Brand Names: Matulane

Generic Name: procarbazine (Pronunciation: pro CAR bah zeen)

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

What is procarbazine (Matulane)?

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

Procarbazine is used to treat Hodgkin's Disease (a type of blood cancer).

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

What are the possible side effects of procarbazine (Matulane)?

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);
• numbness, tingling, or confusion;
• any sore in or around the mouth; or
• diarrhea or watery stools.

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

• temporary hair loss;
• itching or rash;
• nausea, vomiting, or weight loss;
• dizziness;
• vision or eye problems;
• increased urination;
• muscle or joint pain;
• nervousness, depression, or nightmares;
• hearing problems;
• fatigue.

In some cases, second cancers have been reported to occur during and following treatment with procarbazine. Procarbazine may also affect egg production in women and sperm production in men. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about procarbazine (Matulane)?

Procarbazine 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 procarbazine 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); nervous system side effects (numbness, tingling, or confusion); sore in or around the mouth; and diarrhea. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with procarbazine.

Avoid alcohol, chocolate, and all of the foods listed in the "What should I avoid while taking procarbazine?" section of this leaflet. Foods high in tyramine can cause a severe reaction, including a severe headache, large pupils, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, irregular heartbeats, and chest pain. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the symptoms listed above.

Procarbazine may interact with many other medications, sometimes resulting in serious side effects. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with procarbazine without first talking to your doctor.