Hexalen

Hexalen is a prescription medication used to treat ovarian cancer in adults. Hexalen belongs to a group of drugs called alkylating agents, which slow or stop cancer cell growth.

This medication comes in capsule form and is taken 4 times a day, after meals and at bedtime.

Common side effects include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and weakness. 

Hexalen is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of ovarian cancer after treatment with other medications has not been effective.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

The Hexalen dose your doctor recommends will be based on your height and weight. The recommended dose is 260 mg/m²/day. It is important you take this medication exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. Do not change your dose unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Do not stop taking Hexalen without first talking to your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.

WARNINGS

1. Hexalen capsules should only be given under the supervision of a physician experienced in the use of antineoplastic agents.
2. Peripheral blood counts should be monitored at least monthly, prior to the initiation of each course of Hexalen capsules, and as clinically indicated.
3. Because of the possibility of Hexalen capsules-related neurotoxicity, neurologic examination should be performed regularly during Hexalen capsules administration

Serious allergic reactions have been reported with Hexalen use. Do not take Hexalen if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• unexplained rash or hives
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty swallowing or a closing of the throat
• swelling of the lips, tongue, or face

Hexalen can cause other serious side effects including:

• decreased bone marrow function
• blood disorders
• neurologic problems such as mood disorders, disorders of consciousness, weakness, dizziness, vertigo)
• peripheral neuropathy (damage to nerves)

Your doctor will order certain tests before, during, and after treatment to monitor side effects.

Common side effects of Hexalen therapy include:

• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• weakness

Some side effects can be serious. Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the following side effects:

• tingling of hands or feet
• mental confusion
• loss of coordination
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• dizziness
• fever
• chills
• rapid heartbeat
• fainting
• mood changes
• sore throat
• skin rash

This is not a complete list of Hexalen side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take cimitidine (Tagamet), other cancer medications, and antidepressants of the MAO inhibitor class such as:

• isocarboxazid (Marplan)
• phenelzine (Nardil)
• tranylcypromine (Parnate)
• selegiline (Emsam, Eldepryl)

This is not a complete list of Hexalen drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

This medication falls into category D. It has been shown that use of Hexalen in pregnant women caused some babies to be born with problems. However, in some serious situations, the benefit of using this medication may be greater than the risk of harm to the baby.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Hexalen is excreted in human breast milk or if it will harm your nursing baby.

Your doctor will order certain tests before and during your treatment to check your body's response to Hexalen.

Hexalen may cause nerve damage. Call your doctor immediately if you experience pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet; weakness in the arms or legs; or loss of ability to move your arms or legs; changes in mood; or loss of consciousness.

Hexalen is usually taken four times a day (a dose after each meal and a dose at bedtime).