Mechlorethamine, Topical

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is put on the skin to treat certain kinds of T-cell lymphoma. Use it exactly as directed.
• This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby.
• This medicine may increase your risk for non-melanoma skin cancers. This medicine may also cause other unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)

Generic and brand names: mechlorethamine, topical; Valchlor

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used on the skin to treat certain kinds of T-cell lymphoma.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine

Also, tell your provider if you have recently had any kind of infection or if you are receiving radiation therapy.

Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not used during pregnancy because it can harm the baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant. Do not become pregnant during this treatment. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How do I use it?

Read the Medication Guide that comes in the medicine package when you start taking this medicine and each time you get a refill.

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use it only as directed by your healthcare provider. Using too much medicine, using it too often or using it longer than prescribed can increase your risk of side effects. This medicine is for use on the skin only.

Do NOT get this medicine in or near your eyes, mouth, or nose. If you get this medicine into your eyes, mouth, or nose, immediately flush them with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and contact your healthcare provider right away. If you get this medicine in your eyes, it may cause severe eye injury and may lead to blindness.

Check with your healthcare provider before using this medicine on children under age 18.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine. Apply the medicine within 30 minutes after you take it out of the refrigerator. Promptly put the medicine back in the refrigerator after each use.

Apply the medicine to dry skin at least 4 hours before or 30 minutes after showering or washing. Apply a thin layer and gently rub it in to the area where you need the medicine. Let the medicine dry for 5 to 10 minutes before covering with clothing.

Do not cover the area where you put the medicine with a bandage unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Using tight bandages may increase the risk of side effects. Do not use cosmetics or skin products for at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you use this medicine.

This medicine is flammable. Do not apply the medicine near high heat or open flames. If you smoke, do not smoke until the medicine is completely dry.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine can transfer from your body to others. This can happen if other people come into contact with the area where the medicine was applied. If someone else touches your skin where medicine has been applied, the other person should wash the area with soap and water right away.

This medicine may increase your risk for non-melanoma skin cancers. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Severe redness, swelling, itching, ulcers, blisters, sores, or rashes on the skin; eye irritation; mouth sores.

Other: Mild redness or irritation when you apply the medicine, skin darkening.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, talk with your healthcare provider before you use any other products on your skin.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine in the refrigerator in the original box. Keep the container tightly closed and away from food when storing in the refrigerator. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. If this medicine is left at room temperature for more than 1 hour, talk with your pharmacist before you use it. Discard any unused medicine 60 days after opening.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.