Matulane
Matulane is in a class of drugs known as hydrazine derivatives. It slows or stops the
growth of cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs
you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.
Matulane is used to treat:
- Hodgkin's disease
- non-Hodgkin's lymphomas
- diffuse histiocytic lymphoma
- mycosis fungoides
- brain tumors
- small cell lung cancer
Side effects of Matulane
Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow.
This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding and infection. The number of
blood cells in your blood may begin to reduce from about seven days after the treatment
has been given and usually reaches its lowest point at 10-14 days after the chemotherapy.
Your blood cells will then increase steadily and will usually return to normal within
21-28 days.
The extent to which your blood cells are reduced depends on the dose of chemotherapy
you receive and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, are given in combination. Your
doctor can advise you how likely it is that your blood cells will be lowered by the
chemotherapy. Your blood will be checked regularly to see how well your bone marrow is
working.
If your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F), or you develop any unexplained
bruising or bleeding, or you suddenly feel unwell, even with a normal temperature, contact
your doctor or the hospital straight away.
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. There are now very effective
anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce this. If you do feel sick it may begin
soon after the treatment is given and last for a few days. If it is not controlled, or
continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other drugs, which may be more effective.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
A flu-like effect can occur after you have had Matulane. You may have
headaches, aching joints or muscles, a temperature, lethargy and chills. If this happens
it is important to drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest.
Alcohol should be avoided while taking this drug as
the combination can make you feel very unwell.
Less common side effects of Matulane
Sore mouth and taste change. Your mouth may become sore, or you may
notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your
teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help to reduce the risk of this
happening. Tell your doctor if you do have any of these problems as they can prescribe
special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear any mouth infection.
You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will come back after the
treatment finishes.
Diarrhoea. This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but let
your doctor know if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids
if you do have diarrhoea.
Loss of appetite. A dietician or specialist nurse at your hospital can
give advice.
Skin changes. Matulane can cause a rash, which may be itchy. Your
doctor can prescribe medicine to help with this. Your skin may darken, due to excess
production of pigment. This usually returns to normal a few months after the treatment has
finished.
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet. This is due to the effect of
Matulane on nerves and is known as peripheral neuropathy. You may also notice that you
have difficulty doing up buttons or similar fiddly tasks. Tell your doctor if you notice
any numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. This usually improves slowly a few months
after the treatment is finished.
Emotional changes. Matulane may cause depression, bad dreams,
sleeplessness, nervousness and feelings of fear. However, this is very rare. Discuss these
symptoms with your doctor if they occur. |