Common and Rare Side Effects
Along with their needed effects, medicines like procarbazine can sometimes cause unwanted effects such as blood problems, loss of hair, high blood pressure reactions, and other side effects. These and others are described below. Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These delayed effects may include certain types of cancer, such as leukemia. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.
Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Stop taking this medicine and get emergency help immediately if any of the following effects occur:
Rare
Chest pain (severe)
enlarged pupils of eyes
fast or slow heartbeat
headache (severe)
increased sensitivity of eyes to light
increased sweating (possibly with fever or cold, clammy skin)
stiff or sore neck
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Confusion
convulsions (seizures)
hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
missing menstrual periods
shortness of breath
thickening of bronchial secretions
tiredness or weakness (continuing)
Less common
sores in mouth and on lips
tingling or numbness of fingers or toes
unsteadiness or awkwardness
yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Drowsiness
muscle or joint pain
muscle twitching
nervousness
nightmares
trouble in sleeping
unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common
darkening of skin
difficulty in swallowing
dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
feeling of warmth and redness in face
headache
loss of appetite
mental depression
This medicine may cause a temporary loss of hair in some people. After treatment with procarbazine has ended, normal hair growth should return.
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
