Hexalen

 
Generic Name: altretamine

Brands: Hexalen

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What is the most important information I should know about Hexalen?

· Hexalen should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

· Serious side effects have been reported with the use of Hexalen including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat); neurologic problems (mood disorders, altered consciousness, weakness, dizziness, vertigo); and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with Hexalen.

 

What is Hexalen?

· Hexalen is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Hexalen interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

· Hexalen is used to treat cancer of the ovaries.

· Hexalen may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

Who should not take Hexalen?

· Before taking Hexalen, tell your doctor if you have:     ·any nervous system (brain and nerves) problems; or     ·bone marrow problems.

· You may not be able to take Hexalen, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Hexalen is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Hexalen is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take Hexalen without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Contraceptive measures are recommended during treatment with Hexalen.

· It is not known whether Hexalen passes into breast milk. Do not take Hexalen without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Hexalen?

· Take Hexalen exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, as your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to explain them to you.

· Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with Hexalen depending upon the cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

· Hexalen is usually taken four times a day, after meals and at bedtime.

· Take each oral dose with a large glass of water.

· Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with Hexalen to monitor progress and side effects.

· Store Hexalen capsules at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Hexalen.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· If for any reason an overdose of Hexalen is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

· Symptoms of an Hexalen overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

 

What should I avoid while taking Hexalen?

· Hexalen can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with Hexalen. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.

 

What are the possible side effects of Hexalen?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:     ·an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; difficulty breathing; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives);     ·decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, or signs of infection);     ·pain, tremors, tingling, burning, or prickling in hands or feet;     ·mood changes;     ·severe drowsiness or loss of consciousness;     ·loss of coordination, weakness, dizziness, unsteadiness or falling; or     ·severe nausea or vomiting.

· Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience:     ·temporary hair loss;     ·itching or rash; or     ·mild to moderate nausea or vomiting.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Hexalen?

· Before taking Hexalen, tell your doctor if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking one of these medicines.

· Before taking Hexalen, tell your doctor if you are taking cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB). You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

· Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with Hexalen. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with Hexalen.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Hexalen. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with Hexalen.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Hexalen written for health professionals that you may read.

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