ALTRETAMINE - ORAL

ALTRETAMINE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (al-TRET-a-meen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Hexalen

GENERIC NAME(S): altretamine

Uses

USES: This medication is used to treat cancer of the ovaries. It is a chemotherapy drug that works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.


How to use ALTRETAMINE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times a day (after meals and at bedtime). It is usually taken for a 2 or 3-week period, then stopped for a time and repeated. This is called a treatment cycle. Carefully follow your doctor's directions for taking this drug. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. The dosage is based on your body size and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of serious side effects will increase.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may reduce your dose or prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Temporary hair loss may rarely occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking altretamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding/blood problems, brain/nerve disorders, current/recent/returning infections, kidney disease, liver disease. Altretamine can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using altretamine. Altretamine may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: nalidixic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine).

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Images

HEXALEN 50 MG CAPSULE

color
clear
shape
oblong
imprint
USB 001

Reviews

No Reviews Yet


Faq for ALTRETAMINE - ORAL

Altretamine is an oral medication used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, including ovarian cancer.

Altretamine works by interfering with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Common side effects of altretamine include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, tiredness, and hair loss.

Altretamine is usually taken in capsule form, with or without food. The dosage and frequency of administration will be determined by your doctor.

If you miss a dose of altretamine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

Altretamine should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. It is also not recommended for use while breastfeeding, as it may pass into breast milk and harm the nursing infant. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits before using altretamine.

Altretamine may interact with certain medications, including warfarin, phenytoin, and certain chemotherapy drugs. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid any potential drug interactions.

The duration of altretamine treatment can vary depending on the individual and the type of cancer being treated. Your doctor will determine the appropriate duration of treatment for you.

If you experience severe side effects such as allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe nausea and vomiting, seek immediate medical attention. It is important to report any side effects to your doctor, as they may need to adjust your dosage or provide additional supportive care.


Warning

WARNING: Altretamine may cause serious side effects (such as bleeding/blood problems, nerve problems). Bleeding/blood problems can cause anemia, lower your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause your body to bruise or bleed more easily. Your doctor will check you closely to lessen the chance of serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms such as easy bruising/bleeding, unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat, numbness/tingling of the arms/legs, mental/mood changes, seizures, loss of coordination, dizziness, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills).


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.