Zinocarb 50mg Capsule belongs to the group of anti-cancer drugs and chemotherapeutic agents. Zinocarb 50mg Capsule is used to treat cancers and malignant conditions such as Hodgkin’s disease (cancer that originates in the white blood cells) and certain brain tumours.

Zinocarb 50mg Capsule contains ‘’Procarbazine.’’ Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. Zinocarb 50mg Capsule interferes with the growth of cells, nipping it in the bud. It functions by inhibiting the molecular production of materials such as proteins and DNA necessary for cell growth and division.

Zinocarb 50mg Capsule is a prescription-only medicine. It may be taken as a tablet at the same time every day. Zinocarb 50mg Capsule may be taken with or without food. It should be swallowed as a whole and not chewed or broken down. Avoid consuming Zinocarb 50mg Capsule with certain foods like cheese, smoked fish, fermented wine and meat.

In some cases, Zinocarb 50mg Capsule may cause common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, bruising, cramps, rash and loss of appetite. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if these side effects persist.

It is advisable to inform your doctor if you are allergic to Zinocarb 50mg Capsule or any of its components. Keep your doctor informed if you suffer from kidney or liver disease, bleeding problems, anaemia or recurrent infections. Keep your doctor informed if you are on any radiation therapy. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding before taking Zinocarb 50mg Capsule as Zinocarb 50mg Capsule is not recommended for routine use in these states. Consult your doctor before taking alcohol with Zinocarb 50mg Capsule as there may be an interaction. Avoid smoking while taking Zinocarb 50mg Capsule.

Zinocarb 50mg Capsule is an antineoplastic/anti-cancer drug. It contains PROCARBAZINE. It is used primarily in the treatment of cancers, especially Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Zinocarb 50mg Capsule shows antineoplastic activity, meaning it targets neoplastic (abnormally growing cells) in the body and inhibits their uncontrolled division and growth. Zinocarb 50mg Capsule works by preventing DNA, RNA and protein synthesis required for the molecular development of cells. Zinocarb 50mg Capsule also acts by destroying DNA, thereby arresting cell growth in the roots. Hence, Zinocarb 50mg Capsule is very effective in cancer therapy.

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Rash             
• Bruising
• Loss of appetite
• Hair loss
• Joint pains
• Difficulty sleeping

Zinocarb 50mg Capsule should not be used in case of any known allergy to either of the components. Avoid foods such as processed cheese, smoked fish, meats, overripe fruit, fermented wine, and yeast while taking Zinocarb 50mg Capsule. Zinocarb 50mg Capsule should be used with caution in case of high-risk or previous history cancers, cardiovascular health disorders, bleeding disorders, kidney disease, liver disease or anaemia. Keep your doctor informed of your medical history and if you suffer from epilepsy, an adrenal tumour such as phaeochromocytoma, or have had a stroke. Consult your doctor before using Zinocarb 50mg Capsule during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or even if you are trying to get pregnant. Keep your doctor informed if you are on painkillers or using any nasal decongestants or anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, antiepileptic, anaesthetic or analgesic medications. Keep your doctor informed in case you are undergoing any radiation therapy. Inform your doctor of your vaccination history and do not take any vaccines without consent. Avoid contact with those who have recently received live vaccines (like the nasal flu, pox, or MMR vaccine). Zinocarb 50mg Capsule makes your skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing while venturing out in the sun. Zinocarb 50mg Capsule may interact with alcohol, please consult your doctor before use. Zinocarb 50mg Capsule may cause dizziness and is not recommended to take while driving or operating heavy machinery.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Zinocarb 50mg Capsule may interact with painkillers (pethidine), ADHD medicines (atomoxetine, bupropion, buspirone), anti-migraine drugs (triptans), narcotics (methadone, tapentadol), certain supplements (such as tryptophan, tyramine), certain drugs for Parkinson's disease (entacapone, levodopa, tolcapone), diet-pills and food suppressants (diethylpropion), antipsychotic (clozapine), antihypertensives (ramipril, enalapril, losartan), antiepileptics (phenytoin, carbamazepine) and anti-depressants (fluoxetine, duloxetine, venlafaxine, St John’s wort).

Drug-Food Interactions: Zinocarb 50mg Capsule can interact with alcohol and tobacco.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Zinocarb 50mg Capsule should be used with caution in patients with a known hypersensitivity disorder, asthma, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, stroke, heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, blood disorder, clotting problems and non-cancerous tumours such as phaeochromocytoma.

• ATOMOXETINE
• BUSPIRONE
• SUMATRIPTAN
• PETHIDINE
• METHADONE
• TAPENTADOL
• TRYPTOPHAN
• RAMIPRIL
• ENALAPRIL
• LOSARTAN
• PHENYTOIN
• CARBAMAZEPINE
• CLOZAPINE
• FLUOXETINE
• DULOXETINE
• ENTACAPONE
• LEVODOPA

• Keep your doctor informed if you are planning to or are pregnant.

• Cancer can take a toll on anyone. Make sure you regularly see a therapist and take care of your mental health.

• Meditation and yoga have also proven very effective in helping cancer patients maintain a healthy attitude and body.

• Cut back on foods that are high in tyramine such as overripe fruit, processed cheese, smoked fish, meat etc. Eat more healthy meats, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods to give you more energy.

• Avoid taking Zinocarb 50mg Capsule with alcohol as there may be an interaction.

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water as dehydration is often seen in cancers.

• Taking a stroll in the garden, or spending 30 mins of your time doing some light physical activity can be very useful. However, do not over-exert yourself if you feel too tired.

• Avoid tobacco use as smoking can increase the chances of lung cancer when used with Zinocarb 50mg Capsule. Inform your doctor in case of marijuana use.

• Take Zinocarb 50mg Capsule exactly as prescribed. 

• In case you miss a dose of Zinocarb 50mg Capsule, take it as soon as possible. However, revert to the original schedule if it is too close to the next dose. Do not ever take a double dose.

• Please inform your doctor immediately if you accidentally take an extra dose of Zinocarb 50mg Capsule. Some common symptoms of an overdose can be low blood pressure, slow pulse, shortness of breath, low blood sugar, fits, dizziness, feeling sick and discolouration of the skin.

•  Do not discontinue taking Zinocarb 50mg Capsule abruptly or without the advice of the physician.

• Please know that your doctor may order blood tests to check your tolerance and need of Zinocarb 50mg Capsule.

• Avoid getting out in the sun after taking Zinocarb 50mg Capsule and if you do, make sure you use a potent sunscreen and wear protective clothing.

Hodgkin’s Disease: Hodgkin’s disease or lymphoma is a blood cancer of a certain type of cells called WBCs, specifically lymphocytes. Lymphocytes normally help control infection and maintain the body's normal immunity. However, in a cancerous state, there is an abnormal multiplication of these blood cells causing many problems such as fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, itching, night sweats and lymph node swelling.