Valchlor

Valchlor is an antineoplastic medicine (cancer drug). It is an alkylating agent. It works by killing cancer cells.

It is used to treat mycosis fungoid type T-cell lymphoma (a type of skin cancer). It is available as gel and jelly form and is available only by your doctor’s prescription.

If you are about to start Valchlor, speak with your doctor about what you need to know.

Before starting the treatment your doctor should be informed about conditions such as:

Allergy: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any food, preservatives, dyes, or had an allergic reaction when you used this drug before.

Children: There are no adequate studies done which prove Mechlorethamine’s harmful effects in children. It is not expected to cause different effects than adults. Use it after consulting your doctor. However, safety and efficacy have not been established.

Elderly: This medicine does not cause any different side effects or problem than it does in younger adults. However, it should be used with caution.

Pregnancy: It is a category D drug. It is not safe to use in pregnancy. It may cause harm to an unborn baby and can result in the loss of an unborn baby.

Breast Feeding: Mechlorethamine is not known if it can pass into breast milk or not. If you are using it while nursing, discuss the potential risks with your doctor.

Drug Interactions: Mechlorethamine may interact with other drugs. Your doctor should be informed of any other medicines which you are taking. He/she may want to change the dosage or drug.

To use Valchlor properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. It is only for skin use. Do not apply it on an area which has cuts, burns or scratches.

If accidently it gets on those areas, rinse it immediately with soap and water. If irritation does not go away after washing, inform your doctor right away.

Wear disposable nitrile gloves when applying for this medicine. Wash your hands with soap and water after removing the gloves.

Wash and dry the area where it has to be applied. When it is completely dried, apply a thin layer of medicine. Allow it to dry for 5 to 10 minutes before covering it with clothing. Do not go close to fire, flames, and smoking until it dried.

Moisturizers are permitted on the treated areas 2 hours before or 2 hours after applying for the medicine. After applying, put the tube back in the refrigerator.

Dosage: It is different for different patients. Dosage mentioned below is an average dose. You must follow your doctor’s command.

For T-cell lymphoma skin cancer:

Adults: Apply once a day to an affected skin area.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it almost a time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your daily schedule. Do not double the dose.

Storage: Store it at room temperature. Keep it away from children.

Before using Valchlor, there are some precautions you must take. Your doctor should check your daily progress at regular visits

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Valchlor before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care or surgery. Valchlor can cause anaphylactic reactions.

Inform your doctor immediately if you start having

• rash
• itching
• fainting
• palpitation
• trouble breathing
• swelling of hand face and mouth

Use an effective form of birth control methods as Mechlorethamine can harm an unborn baby.

Be very careful while applying for this medicine. Avoid getting this medicine into your eyes, nose and mouth. It can cause:

• pain
• burning
• swelling
• redness
• sensitivity to light
• blurred vision if get into an eye and can cause permanent eye injury

It may cause pain, redness, or ulcers in nose and mouth. Rinse your eye, nose or mouth right away for at least 15 minutes with water and call your doctor.

If you notice any:

• redness
• swelling
• itching
• ulcers
• blisters

on the skin inform your doctor. It may be a sign of another kind of skin cancer.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Valchlor to avoid unwanted potential side effects. Some people may experience none or minor side effects.

Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent:

Most common are:

• Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
• Cracked, dry, scaly skin
• Pain, swelling, tenderness, or warmth on the skin

Less common:

• Darkening of the skin

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.