Procarbazine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 10, 2024.

Applies to procarbazine: oral capsule.

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 procarbazine and get emergency help immediately if any of the following effects occur:

Rare

• Chest pain (severe)
• enlarged pupils of eyes
• fast or slow heartbeat
• headache (severe)
• increased sensitivity of eyes to light
• increased sweating (possibly with fever or cold, clammy skin)
• stiff or sore neck

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

Less common

• Black, tarry stools
• blood in urine or stools
• bloody vomit
• cough or hoarseness
• fever or chills
• lower back or side pain
• painful or difficult urination
• pinpoint red spots on skin
• unusual bleeding or bruising

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

More common

• Confusion
• convulsions (seizures)
• cough
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
• missing menstrual periods
• shortness of breath
• thickening of bronchial secretions
• tiredness or weakness (continuing)

Less common

• Diarrhea
• sores in mouth and on lips
• tingling or numbness of fingers or toes
• unsteadiness or awkwardness
• yellow eyes or skin

Rare

• Fainting
• skin rash, hives, or itching
• wheezing

Other side effects of Procarbazine

Some side effects of procarbazine 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

• Drowsiness
• muscle or joint pain
• muscle twitching
• nausea and vomiting
• nervousness
• nightmares
• trouble in sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

• Constipation
• darkening of skin
• difficulty in swallowing
• dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
• dry mouth
• feeling of warmth and redness in face
• headache
• loss of appetite
• 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.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to procarbazine: oral capsule.

Hematologic

Very common (10% or more): Leukopenia, anemia, thrombopenia

Frequency not reported: Pancytopenia, eosinophilia, hemolytic anemia, bleeding tendencies (e.g., petechiae, purpura, epistaxis, hemoptysis)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Nausea, vomiting, anorexia

Frequency not reported: Stomatitis, hematemesis, melena, diarrhea, dysphagia, anorexia, abdominal pain, constipation, dry mouth^[Ref]

Nervous system

Frequency not reported: Headache, ataxia, slurred speech, drowsiness, coma, convulsions, neuropathy, paresthesia, nystagmus, diminished reflexes, falling, foot drop, dizziness, unsteadiness, tremors^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Frequency not reported: Hypotension, tachycardia, syncope^[Ref]

Ocular

Frequency not reported: Retinal hemorrhage, papilledema, photophobia, diplopia, inability to focus^[Ref]

Respiratory

Frequency not reported: Pneumonitis, pleural effusion, cough^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Allergic skin reactions, diaphoresis, dermatitis, pruritus, alopecia, hyperpigmentation, rash, urticaria, flushing^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Severe hypersensitivity reactions with angioedema, urticaria, and a precipitous drop in serum complement^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Azoospermia, ovarian failure, gynecomastia (in prepubertal and early pubertal boys), hematuria, urinary frequency, nocturia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not reported: Myalgia, arthralgia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Frequency not reported: Insomnia, hallucinations, depression, apprehension, nervousness, confusion, nightmares^[Ref]

Oncologic

Frequency not reported: Lung cancer, acute myelocytic leukemia and malignant myelosclerosis^[Ref]

Other

Frequency not reported: Lethargy, hearing loss, pyrexia, weakness, fatigue, edema, chills, hoarseness, pain^[Ref]

Immunologic

Frequency not reported: Infections, herpes^[Ref]

Hepatic

Frequency not reported: Jaundice, abnormal liver function tests^[Ref]

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