What is this medication for?
Altretamine is one of the groups of cancer-fighting medications known as antineoplastics.
Altretamine fights cancer by preventing the growth of cancer cells, which eventually
results in their destruction. Altretamine is to treat cancer of the ovaries.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those
listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all
of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor
or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do
not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms
as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their
doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without
consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Hexalen® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of altretamine varies according to body height and weight.
It is taken by mouth four times per day (after meals and at bedtime). The treatment
is usually taken for 14 to 21 days in a row with a rest period of one to two
weeks before starting another 14 to 21 days of treatment.
If intolerable side effects occur, the doctor may reduce the dose or temporarily
stop the medication. This medication may cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of
appetite, but it is important that you continue to use the medication unless
otherwise directed by your doctor. If you vomit shortly after taking a dose
of medication, call your doctor for instructions on whether to skip that dose
or to take another dose.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as
body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor
has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change
the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your
doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your
regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose
and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose
to make up for a missed one.
As well as reducing the number of cancer cells in your body, altretamine can
interfere with your normal cells. This can cause a number of side effects. Keep
track of any side effects and report them to your doctor as suggested in the
section "What side effects are possible with this medication?"
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture,
and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Altretamine should not be used by:
- anyone allergic to any of the ingredients of the medication
- anyone with severely reduced blood levels of white blood cells, red blood
cells, or platelets
- anyone with severe neurologic (nerve) toxicity such as severe pain and tingling
of the hands and feet, dizziness, or drowsiness
