MATULANE

Drug Name: MATULANE

MATULANE DESCRIPTION:
PROCARBAZINE - ORAL (pro-KAR-buh-zeen)

COMMON MATULANE BRAND NAME(S):
Matulane

MATULANE SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, tiredness, weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, darkening of the skin, muscle twitching, trouble sleeping or temporary hair loss may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly. Stop taking MATULANE and seek immediate medical attention if you experience: severe chest pain, vision problems, fast or slow heartbeat, severe headache, seizures, stiff or sore neck, increased sweating (with or without fever), cold/clammy skin, mood/mental changes, tingling or numbness of hands or feet, unusual bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience: unusual fatigue, cough, lower back or side pain, difficult urination, easy bruising, black stools, blood in urine or stools, bloody "coffee ground" vomit, stomach pain, breathing difficulty, thick mucous/phlegm, sores in mouth or on lips, yellowing of eyes or skin, diarrhea, unsteadiness, rash/hives/itching, missing menstrual period, fainting. MATULANE can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of an infection such as: fever, sore throat, chills. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE MATULANE:
MATULANE: This is a potent medication and is used in combination with other medicines. Use them exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking MATULANE, even if you feel nauseated or experience vomiting. However, if you vomit shortly after a dose, contact your doctor.

MATULANE USES:
Procarbazine is used to treat Hodgkin's disease. It works by not allowing the cells to grow or form new cells.

OTHER USES OF MATULANE:
MATULANE may also be used to treat other cancers.

MATULANE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history especially of angina (chest pain), heart or blood vessel problems, recent case of chickenpox, shingles (Herpes zoster), diabetes, seizures, kidney or liver disease, severe/frequent headaches, infection, mental or emotional conditions, thyroid problems, Parkinson's disease, history of alcohol use, radiation therapy, blood diseases and any allergies, especially drug allergies. Before having surgery of any kind or emergency treatment, inform the doctor or dentist that you have been receiving this medication. Avoid alcohol while using MATULANE. Alcohol may cause severe nausea, vomiting, flushing, difficulty breathing and other symptoms when taken while being treated with MATULANE. Caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving). To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Since MATULANE may cause sun sensitivity, use sunscreens. Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured. Avoid touching your eyes or inside your nose without first washing your hands. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine. Effective birth control measures are recommended for use in men and women while taking MATULANE. MATULANE is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using MATULANE. It is not known if procarbazine is excreted into breast milk. Because of the possibility the use of MATULANE may harm a nursing infant, do not breast-feed while using MATULANE.

MATULANE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all medicines you use, both prescription and nonprescription, especially of digoxin, levodopa, narcotic pain medications, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin, imipramine), SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine), diabetes drugs, "triptans" (e.g., sumatriptan), methotrexate, bethanidine, papaverine, apraclonidine, diet pills (e.g., sibutramine), caffeine-containing drugs, as well as other MAO inhibitors (e.g., selegiline, furazolidone, phenelzine, tranylcypromine), bupropion, brimonidine, indoramin, sleeping medication, tranquilizers, anti-seizure drugs, buspirone, mirtazapine or tryptophan. Do not use any over-the-counter medications such as asthma relief inhalers, decongestant nasal sprays, oral decongestants, or cough medicines that contain dextromethorphan or certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) without first checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Consult your doctor about the need to watch your intake of foods containing tyramine. It is possible consuming tyramine- containing foods while using MATULANE could cause headache and/or increased blood pressure and could lead to a medical emergency. Tyramine food precautions should be observed for at least 2 weeks after you stop using MATULANE. The following is a partial list of tyramine-containing foods: Meat or Fish - pickled herring/liver/dry sausage/salami/meats prepared with tenderizer; Dairy - yogurt/sour cream/aged cheeses (cream or cottage cheese are okay); Beverages - beer/red wine/sherry - Avoid excessive amount of caffeine-containing colas/coffee/tea; Fruits and Vegetables - avocado/bananas/figs/raisins/broad beans/sauerkraut; Other - yeast extract/soy sauce/large amounts of chocolate. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

MATULANE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shakiness, and loss of consciousness.

MATULANE NOTES:
Frequent blood tests will be done to monitor therapy. Do not share MATULANE with others.

MISSED MATULANE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If almost time for the next dose, skip the missed and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

MATULANE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.