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What is this medicine?

PROCARBAZINE (proe KAR ba zeen) is a chemotherapy drug. This medicine reduces the growth of cancer cells. It is used to treat Hodgkin's disease. It is often given with other cancer drugs.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• infection (especially virus infection such as chickenpox or herpes)
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• low blood counts like low platelets, red blood cells, white blood cells
• smoke tobacco
• an unusual or allergic reaction to procarbazine, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• alcohol
• green tea
• furazolidone
• isoniazid
• linezolid
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• medicines for allergies, colds, or congestion
• medicines for migraine
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• some medications for Parkinsons disease like entacapone, levodopa, tolcapone
• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• dextromethorphan
• medicines for sleep during surgery
• medicines to increase blood counts like filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, sargramostim
• medicines to numb skin or other tissue during procedures
• meperidine
• pentazocine
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• phenytoin
• tramadol
• trazodone
• tyramine in some foods and drinks; ask your dietician for a complete list of foods to avoid
• vaccines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Last Updated: July 16, 2009