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Altre etamin ne (He exalen) Informa ation for P Patients a and Families mine (Hexa alen) is an oral medicine that y your docto or prescrib bed for the e Altretam treatme ent of ovarrian cancerr. Please ta ake your a altretamin ne as directed by you ur prescrib ber. How is this medic cation taken? • Take you ur altretam mine four times dailly (after ea ach meal a and at bedtime e). • Take alttretamine with food d and a larg ge glass off water. • Contact your canc cer clinic iff you are u unable to ttake altrettamine as prescrib bed, includ ding if you u are unablle to swallow the cap psule. Are therre any drugs or food ds I should avoid with h altretamiine therapy y? • There arre multiple e drug and d herbal in nteractionss with altrretamine. Please contact you ur cancer clinic c or th he UMCCC C oral mediications fo or cancer therapy t serrvice if you u are takin ng or interrested in ttaking any new ove er-the-coun nter medic cation, vita amin, or herbal prod duct or if a has prescrribed any new physicia an other th han your oncologist o medicattion for you. We willl review fo or the risk of interac ction with altretam mine. Som me example es of mediications/he erbal prod ducts that may interact include: pyridoxine p (vitamin B B-6 supple ements), ce ertain antideprressants, cimetidine c e (Tagemett), or blood d thinners such as warfarin n (Coumad din). Oral Antii-Cancer The erapy Servicce 734-232-6366 cc-oral-chem c [email protected] mich.edu Altretamine (Hexalen) What side effects can occur with altretamine therapy? This information does not cover all possible side effects. Refer to the attached information for each chemotherapy agent for further information. Common Side Effects Nausea/Vomiting What Can I Do? • Stay well-hydrated • Use anti-nausea medication prescribed by the clinic • Eat smaller, more frequent meals/snacks (avoid empty stomach) When to Call your Cancer Clinic • Unable to stay hydrated or hold down fluid (not able to drink 8-10 cups of liquid per day) – CONTACT IMMEDIATELY • The anti-nausea medication prescribed is not working Decrease in blood cell counts (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets) • Wash hands regularly • Avoid close contact with others who are sick • Avoid activities with high potential for injury and bleeding (e.g. contact sports, etc.) • The clinic will monitor your labs to assess • Temperature of 100.5˚F or higher- CONTACT IMMEDIATELY • Any signs of infection • Unusual tiredness or weakness • Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing • Unusual bleeding or bruising Peripheral Neuropathy Tingling in the hands, legs, feet Less Common Side • Discomfort that affects your ability to work or perform normal activities (i.e. unable to grasp a pen/pencil, unable to button your shirt, or unable to feel the bottoms of your feet making walking difficult) What Can I Do? When to Call your Cancer Clinic Oral Anti-Cancer Therapy Service 734-232-6366 [email protected] 2 Altretamine (Hexalen) Effects Diarrhea • Stay well-hydrated • Take loperamide (Imodium) 4 mg at onset of diarrhea and up to 2 mg every 2 hours until diarrhea-free for 12 hours • Avoid fatty, greasy or spicy foods that may increase diarrhea • Eat smaller, more frequent meals/snacks • The clinic will monitor your labs to assess Liver Dysfunction • Unable to stay hydrated (not able to drink 8-10 cups of liquid per day) - CONTACT IMMEDIATELY • Multiple episodes of diarrhea unrelieved by anti-diarrheal medication like loperamide (if no response in 24 hours of treatment or if waking in the night with diarrhea) • Yellowing of eyes or skin MORE INFORMATION: This document should be combined with “What to Expect, A Guide to Oral Chemotherapy Treatment at the University of Michigan” and the “Oral Medications for Cancer Therapy” documents. Ask your nurse or pharmacist for these documents if you did not receive them, or for more information, visit the Patient Education Resource Center in the Cancer Center. Oral Anti-Cancer Therapy Service 734-232-6366 [email protected] 3 Altretamine (Hexalen) Who to Call With Questions • For medical emergencies call 911. • For symptoms or possible side effects related to your medications, please call your Cancer Center clinic. • For questions about drug coverage, ability to receive the medication, drug interactions with over-the-counter medications, herbal products and new prescription medications or help in remembering to take your medication, please contact the Oral Medications for Cancer Therapy Service at 734-232-6366 or [email protected]. This document is not intended to take the place of the care and attention of your personal physician or other professional medical services. Our aim is to promote active participation in your care and treatment by providing information and education. Questions about individual health concerns or specific treatment options should be discussed with your physician. ©2012 The Regents of the University of Michigan Document #0443/ Revised February 2012 Oral Anti-Cancer Therapy Service 734-232-6366 [email protected] 4