Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: altretamine, oral; Hexalen
This medicine is used to treat ovarian cancer in women whose cancer has come back or progressed under other treatment. It may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your provider if you have any kind of infection or fever.
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant while you are taking this medicine. If you do become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine.
This medicine comes in capsules. It is taken for either 14 or 21 days in a row, stopped for 14 days, and then started again, possibly at a lower dose.
This medicine is usually taken after meals and at bedtime. If you vomit right after taking the medicine, ask your healthcare provider what to do. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about anything you do not understand.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
This is a very strong medicine. Only healthcare providers experienced with this drug should prescribe it. You need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. You will also have exams to check for nerve damage. Keep all appointments. Make sure you understand what the risks and benefits of treatment are.
Men should use effective birth control while receiving this medicine because this medicine may affect the sperm and lead to birth defects.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Seizures, severe nausea and vomiting; numbness, tingling, pain, or burning in your hands or feet that continues or gets worse; unusual bruising or bleeding; dizziness; confusion; depression; anxiety.
Other: Loss of appetite, stomach pain, diarrhea, tiredness, weakness, hair loss, minor rash or itching.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
