MECHLORETHAMINE - INJECTION

MECHLORETHAMINE - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (ME-klor-ETH-a-meen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Mustargen

GENERIC NAME(S): mechlorethamine HCl

Uses

USES: This medication is used to treat various types of cancer (such as Hodgkin's lymphoma, leukemia). Mechlorethamine belongs to a class of drugs known as alkylating agents. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.


How to use MECHLORETHAMINE - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually by injection into a vein. It may also be given by placing it within certain parts of the body (such as in the chest, abdomen) or applying it to the skin (for certain skin conditions). The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment. Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so may help decrease the risk of certain side effects (such as increased uric acid). Avoid using turmeric spice while receiving treatment with this medication. Turmeric may make this medication work less well. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, or weakness may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Vomiting or diarrhea that doesn't stop may result in a serious loss of body water (dehydration). Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast heartbeat, or dizziness/lightheadedness. Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: hearing changes (decreased hearing, ringing in ears), menstrual changes (such as stopped periods), numbness/tingling, easy bleeding/bruising. This medication may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infections (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before receiving mechlorethamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding/blood problems, gout, recent/current/returning infection, kidney disease, liver problems. Mechlorethamine can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Rarely, people with cancer who are treated with this type of medication have developed other cancers. The risk may be higher when this medication is given with other chemotherapy or with radiation treatment. Consult your doctor for more details. This medication can affect the body's ability to make sperm, an effect that may lower male fertility. Consult your doctor for more details. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using mechlorethamine. Mechlorethamine may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. A product that may interact with this drug is: nalidixic acid.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Warning

WARNING: Mechlorethamine must be handled and used with great care since it may cause severe damage if it touches your skin, or gets in your mouth, nose, or eyes. Wear a mask/outer garment/gloves while handling this medication to avoid touching or breathing in the dust/vapors from this medication. Tell your doctor right away if this medication accidentally leaks into the skin/muscle during injection into a vein, especially if you have redness, pain, swelling, or hardening/peeling of the skin at or near the injection site. Fast treatment (such as with ice compress, thiosulfate solution) may lessen damage.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.