|
Chemical Name: ALTRETAMINE (al-TRET-a-meen)
This medicine is an antineoplastic used to treat certain types of cancer.
WARNING: Because altretamine can cause blood problems (e.g., bone marrow suppression, thrombocytopenia), blood tests must be done before starting this drug and at least once a month thereafter. This drug can also cause nervous system problems; therefore nervous system tests must be done during treatment with this drug. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop signs of blood disorders or nervous system problems such as persistent fever or sore throat, easy bruising or bleeding, loss of coordination, mood changes, dizziness, tingling of the hands or feet. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of agranulocytosis. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE ON THE DAYS indicated by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food or milk. IF NAUSEA OR VOMITING OCCUR, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for ways to lessen these effects. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Doubling missed doses may increase nausea and vomiting.
KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are being treated with this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE LOWERS YOUR RESISTANCE to infection. To prevent infection, avoid contact with people who have colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. THIS MEDICINE MAY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BLOOD CELLS NEEDED FOR CLOTTING. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur. THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS DRUG IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience unusual bruising or bleeding, sores on the mouth or lips, tingling or numbness of the hands or feet, difficulty walking, dizziness, fever or chills, cough, or sore throat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children.
|
