Hydrazine sulfate is a chemical used in rocket fuel and other industrial applications. Because hydrazine interferes with the way the body metabolizes sugars and energy, some have thought that it might reduce the severe loss of weight and muscle that can accompany cancer. However, the small number of studies that have used hydrazine sulfate to treat patients with lung and colon cancer have shown no benefit. Despite those results, some alternative health care providers continue to market hydrazine sulfate for the self-treatment of cancer.
Patients can purchase hydrazine sulfate on the Internet without a prescription.
To report the serious side effects that occurred in a person who used hydrazine sulfate to self-treat his cancer. The man declined to undergo the surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy that doctors had offered as options to treat his cancer. He bought hydrazine sulfate over the Internet to self-treat his cancer. The doctors caring for the patient collected information about the patient's medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Blood tests showed kidney and liver failure.