Procarbazine: how to take it safely
Natulan, Matulane
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats Hodgkin lymphoma and some brain tumours, as part of combination treatment.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow capsules whole with water.
- You will have regular blood tests.
When to take it
Take it once a day, at the same time, for the days your doctor says.
Take it with
With or without food.
What to avoid
- Alcohol. It can cause severe flushing, sweating and sickness.
- Foods high in tyramine, such as mature cheese, cured meats, yeast extracts, soy sauce and broad beans.
- Antidepressants, cold remedies and many other medicines unless your doctor agrees.
- Pregnancy.
- Live vaccines unless your cancer team says so.
- Contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox or flu.
- Alcohol, unless your team says it is safe.
Possible side effects
Nausea, vomiting, tiredness, drowsiness, low blood counts.
Get help if
A severe headache, a very fast heartbeat, chest pain, stiff neck or very high blood pressure: get urgent help. Fever, signs of infection or unusual bleeding: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.