Altretamine capsules

What are altretamine capsules?

ALTRETAMINE (Hexalen®) is a type of chemotherapy for treating ovarian cancer. Altretamine interferes with the way cancer cells grow. Generic altretamine capsules are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I take altretamine?

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

• blood disorders

• dental disease

• loss of feeling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet

• recent radiation therapy

• infection (especially virus infection such as chickenpox or herpes)

• an unusual or allergic reaction to altretamine, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take altretamine capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. If altretamine upsets your stomach, take it after meals. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your doctor or health care professional, even if the capsules make you feel unwell. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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. If you vomit after taking a dose, call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

What drug(s) may interact with altretamine?

• cimetidine

• live virus vaccines

• phenobarbital

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking altretamine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

Altretamine may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because altretamine affects good cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop.

While you are taking altretamine, you will be more susceptible to infection. Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and bronchitis. Do not have any vaccinations without your prescriber's approval and avoid anyone who has recently had oral polio vaccine.

Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat. Do not treat yourself.

Altretamine can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

What side effects may I notice from taking altretamine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• black tarry stools

• blood in urine

• confusion, agitation, clumsiness

• depression

• fever or chills, sore throat

• lower back pain

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• red spots on the skin

• seizures (convulsions)

• tingling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusual tiredness or weakness

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• loss of appetite

• nausea

• stomach pains or cramps

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.