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Hexalen Side Effects

Generic name: altretamine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 17, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about altretamine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Hexalen.

Summary

Common side effects of Hexalen include: peripheral neuropathy, anemia, and nausea and vomiting. Other side effects include: leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Applies to altretamine: oral capsule.

Warning

  • Nerve problems may happen.
  • This drug may stop your bone marrow from making some of the cells that your body needs. You will be closely watched by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away about any fever, sore throat, signs of infection, bleeding, shortness of breath, or feeling tired.
  • Blood cell counts and an exam of your nerves will be done before and during treatment with this drug.

Serious side effects of Hexalen

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
  • Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a cause or that get bigger; or bleeding you cannot stop.
  • Feeling very tired or weak.
  • A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
  • Change in balance.
  • Mood changes.
  • Dizziness.
  • Trouble walking.

Other side effects of Hexalen

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to altretamine: oral capsule.

Hematologic

Very common (10% or more): Anemia (33%)

Common (1% to 10%): Thrombocytopenia, leukopenia[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Nausea and vomiting (33%)

Common (1% to 10%): Increased alkaline phosphatase[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Peripheral sensory neuropathy (31%)

Common (1% to 10%): Seizures

Frequency not reported: CNS symptoms (mood disorders, disorders of consciousness, ataxia, dizziness, vertigo)[Ref]

Renal

Common (1% to 10%): Increased BUN, increased serum creatinine[Ref]

Metabolic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anorexia[Ref]

Other

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fatigue[Ref]

Hepatic

Frequency not reported: Hepatic toxicity[Ref]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Skin rash, pruritus, alopecia[Ref]

References

1. "Product Information. Hexalen (altretamine)." US Bioscience (2022):

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer