Altretamine (By mouth)
al-TRET-a-meen
Treats cancer.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Altretamine belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics. It is used to treat cancer of the ovaries. It may also be used to treat other kinds of cancer, as determined by your doctor.
Altretamine interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by altretamine, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur for months or years after the medicine is used.
Before you begin treatment with altretamine, you and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
Altretamine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although this use is not included in product labeling, altretamine is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:
Cancer of the lung
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
It is best to take this medicine after meals and at bedtime.
You may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting.
Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how altretamine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
Cimetidine MAO inhibitors Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to altretamine, or if you have serious problems with your bone marrow or nerves.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
Your doctor will need to check your blood and do neurologic tests at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fainting, dizziness, mood disorders, or problems with balance or walking
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your arms, hands, legs, or feet
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Unusual tiredness or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Nausea and vomiting
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Hexalen
There may be other brand names for this medicine.