MECHLORETHAMINE - TOPICAL

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Valchlor

GENERIC NAME(S): mechlorethamine HCl

Uses

USES: This medication is used on the skin to treat a certain type of cancer (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma). Mechlorethamine belongs to a class of drugs known as alkylating agents. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells that cause the skin condition.

How to use MECHLORETHAMINE - TOPICAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Use this medication as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. After taking this medication out of the refrigerator, apply it within 30 minutes, and be sure to return it to the refrigerator right after each use. Apply a small amount of medication to completely dry skin at least 4 hours before or 30 minutes after showering or washing. Let the treated area(s) dry for 5 to 10 minutes before covering with clothing. You may apply moisturizers to the treated area(s) 2 hours before or 2 hours after applying mechlorethamine. If someone helps you apply this medication, they must wear disposable gloves. If you are applying it to yourself, you can wear disposable gloves but you do not have to. After applying, wash your hands right away, even if you have worn gloves (see also Side Effects section). Safely throw away any used gloves in the trash. Do not cover the treated area with tight dressings or plastic bandages. Ask your doctor whether you may cover the treated area loosely with gauze. Avoid getting this medication in or around the eyes or eyelids. It can cause pain, burns, blurred vision, and even blindness. Also, do not apply this medication inside the nose or mouth. If you accidentally get this medication in the eyes, rinse for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water, normal saline, or an eye wash solution and get medical help right away (including exam by an eye doctor). If you get this medication in the nose or mouth, rinse for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water and tell the doctor right away. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often than directed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. This medication is flammable until dry. Let the medication dry before smoking or going near an open flame. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Skin irritation, itching, blisters, burning, redness, pain, swelling, tenderness, or darkening of skin where you have applied medication may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (such as skin ulcers/pus, fever, chills). Very rarely, people who are treated with or who have had contact with this medication have developed other skin cancers. Tell your doctor right away if you, or someone who has helped you apply this medication, notice any new skin lesions or unusual skin changes. Ask your doctor for details. 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 using 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: red/irritated/infected/open sores on skin. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). 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 medication 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: 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.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. 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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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.