procarbazine

Nightmares, hallucinations, confusion, insomnia

Flu-like feeling
(fever, chills without signs of infection such as sore throat, cough, or blistering rash on skin)

• May happen in hours to days after drug is given / after starting treatment.
• These side effects may go away as your body gets used to the drug.
• Contact your doctor or nurse if these feelings bother you.
• May take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) tablets as needed.

Mouth sores

• Maintain good mouth hygiene. Regular teethbrushing with a soft toothbrush or Toothette®, and  regular use of mouthwashes, especially after meals and at bedtime. Use alcohol-free mouthwashes.
• Instead, try a homemade mouthwash: 
  Mix 1 teaspoonful of baking soda and 1 teaspoonful of salt in 4 cups (1L) of water.
• Avoid hot, spicy, acidic, hard or crunchy foods.
• Check with your doctor or nurse as soon as you notice sores in mouth/lips or pain with swallowing. Your doctor may prescribe a prescription mouthwash to relieve mouth sores and prevent infection.
• Also see Mouth Care pamphlet.*

Unusual bleeding or bruising

You may have black stools, cough up blood, blood in your urine, purple or red dots on your skin or bleeding that will not stop. 

Fever, chills, infection

You have a fever if your temperature taken in your mouth (oral temperature) is:

• 38.3°C (100.9°F) or higher at any time OR
• 38.0°C (100.4°F) or higher for at least one hour.

While you are getting chemotherapy treatments:

• Keep a digital thermometer at home and take your temperature if you feel hot or unwell (for example, chills).
• Avoid taking medications that treat a fever before you take your temperature (for example, Tylenol®, acetaminophen, Advil® or ibuprofen) as they may hide a fever.
• Do not eat or drink anything hot or cold right before taking your temperature.
• Wash your hands often.
• Check with your doctor before getting any vaccines, surgeries or visiting your dentist.

If you have a fever, talk to your health care team or go to the closest emergency room. 
See our Neutropenia (Low white blood cell count) pamphlet for more information.

Nausea and vomiting

• May occur in hours to days after the dose is given/ after treatment starts.
• Drink clear fluids and avoid large meals. Get fresh air and rest.
• Limit spicy, fried foods or foods with a strong smell.
• Take anti-nausea drug(s) exactly as directed by your doctor. It is easier to prevent nausea than to treat it.
• Contact your doctor if nausea lasts more than 1 day or if any vomiting occurs.
• Also see Nausea & Vomiting pamphlet.*

Tingling, numb toes or fingers, weakness

• May slowly return to normal after treatment ends.
• Contact your doctor or nurse if you have trouble doing up buttons, writing, picking up small objects, pain, or trouble with movement.

Rash; dry, itchy skin

• Sensitivity to sunlight (or other lights with UV) occurs rarely (results in rash on exposed areas).
• Stay out of the sun; wear sunblock, a hat and cover exposed skin.
• Use daily moisturizer.

Liver problems
(yellow skin or eyes, dark urine)

Lung problems
(increased cough, breathing problems, chest pain, coughing blood)

Pancreas problems
(increased pain in centre of belly and may extend to back, appetite or weight loss)

Heart problems
(irregular heartbeat, chest pain, fainting, swelling, shortness of breath)

Allergic reaction
(fever, severe rash, itchiness, swollen face, lip or tongue, chest or throat tightness)

Blood clot (limb pain or swelling, hardened vein in limb), may occur in lungs (sudden start of coughing, breathing problems, chest pain, coughing blood)