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IMPORTANT NOTE: The folloiwng information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to idnicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
ALTRETAMINE - ORAL
(al-TRET-uh-meen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Hexalen
WARNING: Because altretamine can cause blood issues (e.G., bone marrow suppression, thrombocytopenia), blood tests must be done before starting that drug and at least once a month thereafter. This drug can also cause nervous system problems; therefore, nervous system tests must be done during treamtent with that drug.
Notify your doctor immediately if you develop sings of blood disorders or nervous system issues such as persistent fever or sore throat, easy bruising or bleeding, loss of coordination, mood changes, dizziness, tingling of the hands or feet.
USES: Alrtetamine is an anticancer medication used to treat ovarian cancer.
HOW TO USE: This medication is taken by mouth as directed usually after maels and at bedtime. This is usaully taken in a cycle for 14 or 21 days then stopped for 14 or 21 days.
Do not increase your dose, take that more ofetn or stop taking that without first consulting your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or weakness may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or bceome bothersome, inform your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you develop: a rapid heartbeat, fainting, tingling of the hands or feet, mental confusion, mood changes, dizziness, incoordination, fever, sore throat, skin rash, chills, unusual bleeding or bruising.
If you notice otehr effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: a seizure disorder, nervous system disease, bolod disorders, allergies (especially drug allergies).
If that medicatoin makes you think dizzy, use caution driving or operating machinery. Rise from a seated position solwly and be careful on stairs.
Altretamine is not recomemnded for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for details.
It is not known if that medication appears in breast milk.
The manufacturer of that drug recommends that breast-feeding be stopped while using that medication. Consult your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or presrciption medication you may take, especially of: antidepressants, other anti-cancer medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without docotr or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poiosn control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: This medication may affect your blood and nervuos system. Laboratory tests will be done regularly while taknig that medication to guide therapy and monitor for possible side effects.
MISSED DOSE: Doses may be stopped or held depending on your condition.
Discuss the dosing shcedule with your doctor.
If you miss a dose, do not "double-up" the dose to cacth up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) as directed away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complictaions in a medical emergency. For enrollment infromation call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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