Side Effects

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

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

  1. Chest pain (severe)
  2. enlarged pupils of eyes
  3. fast or slow heartbeat
  4. headache (severe)
  5. increased sensitivity of eyes to light
  6. increased sweating (possibly with fever or cold, clammy skin)
  7. stiff or sore neck

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

  1. Black, tarry stools
  2. blood in urine or stools
  3. bloody vomit
  4. cough or hoarseness
  5. fever or chills
  6. lower back or side pain
  7. painful or difficult urination
  8. pinpoint red spots on skin
  9. unusual bleeding or bruising

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

  1. Confusion
  2. convulsions (seizures)
  3. cough
  4. hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
  5. missing menstrual periods
  6. shortness of breath
  7. thickening of bronchial secretions
  8. tiredness or weakness (continuing)

Less common

  1. Diarrhea
  2. sores in mouth and on lips
  3. tingling or numbness of fingers or toes
  4. unsteadiness or awkwardness
  5. yellow eyes or skin

Rare

  1. Fainting
  2. skin rash, hives, or itching
  3. wheezing

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

  1. Drowsiness
  2. muscle or joint pain
  3. muscle twitching
  4. nausea and vomiting
  5. nervousness
  6. nightmares
  7. trouble in sleeping
  8. unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

  1. Constipation
  2. darkening of skin
  3. difficulty in swallowing
  4. dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
  5. dry mouth
  6. feeling of warmth and redness in face
  7. headache
  8. loss of appetite
  9. 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.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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