What is Mechlorethamine topical?
Topical mechlorethamine (for the skin) is used for Stage 1A or Stage 1B of mycosis Fungoides. Topical mechlorethamine is often prescribed after other treatments for the skin have failed. The topical mechlorethamine may be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Mechlorethamine topical
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
The topical mechlorethamine may have serious side effects. If you experience:
- A new skin lesion.
- Severe skin irritation (itching or blistering);
- Redness, swelling, heat, pus, oozing, or other symptoms of skin infections
Side effects of mechlorethamine cream include:
- Mild skin irritation or itching
- Changes in the coloration of the treated skin.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if any side effects arise; for medical guidance on such matters.. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
prednisone, methotrexate, dexamethasone, decadron, and deltasone
Warnings
Avoid getting this medication into your eyes. The topical gel Mechlorethamine can permanently damage or blind your eyes. Avoid getting the medication in your nose or mouth. If you do get this medication in your mouth or nose, make sure to rinse with plenty of water for 15 minutes and call an emergency doctor. If you get mechlorethamine in your nose or mouth, it can cause ulcers, pain, or redness. If you accidentally get this medication in your nose, mouth, or eyes, call 911 immediately.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to mechlorethamine, this medication should be avoided. The topical mechlorethamine can be harmful if it comes into contact with another person's skin. While applying this medication, caregivers should use disposable gloves. The use of mechlorethamine topically can increase the risk of other types of cancer. While you use mechlorethamine, your doctor will have to examine your skin regularly. Avoid using mechlorethamine if you're pregnant. Your unborn child could suffer the ramifications or have birth defects as a result. While using this medication, use birth control to avoid pregnancy. Tell your doctor if it happens. Mechlorethamine topically does not pass into breast milk. It is also unknown if the medication could harm a baby who is nursing. This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Mechlorethamine topical?
Do not alter the instructions on your prescription. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or use it for a longer period of time. Mechlorethamine is applied as a topical once daily. Keep this medicine in the original container in the fridge. Do not freeze. Do not allow this medicine to contact food in the fridge. Use the medicine within 30 minutes of removing it. The medicine should be returned to the fridge immediately after use. use within 30 minutes of taking a bath or shower. Before applying the medication, make sure that the skin is completely dried. Do not bathe or shower for at least four hours after using mechlorethamine. Apply a thin coating of the medication to the affected areas of the skin. Allow the gel to air dry for five to ten minutes before covering the treated skin.
Avoid covering the treated area of skin with a bandage. Apply skin lotion, cream, or oil 2 hours prior to or 2 hours following the application of mechlorethamine topical. After handling or applying this medicine, wash your hands. Wear disposable gloves when applying the medicine to a patient.After taking off your gloves, immediately wash your hands to disinfect and cleanse. Mechlorethamine-containing topical gel is highly flammable; therefore it must be stored away from open flames or high heat sources before smoking is attempted. Smoke only after the gel has completely hardened. After 90 days, throw away any topical mechlorethamine gel that is still unused. Dispose of unused gels, empty tubes, and used disposable gloves in a trash can out of reach of pets and children.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for Mycosis fungoides:
Apply a thin layer of film to the affected skin areas once a day.
Use: Topical treatment for Stage IA and IB cutaneous T-cell lymphoma after prior skin-directed treatment
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Avoid getting this medication into your eyes. The topical gel containing mechlorethamine can permanently damage your eyes or cause blindness. Avoid getting medication into your nose or mouth by keeping the tablets out of these areas.If you do get this medication in your mouth or nose, wash for 15 minutes with lots of water. Then call your doctor. If you get mechlorethamine in your nose or mouth, it can cause ulcers, pain, or redness. If you accidentally get this medication in your nose, mouth, or eyes, call an emergency medical team.
Interaction with other drug
Mechlorethamine applied topically is unlikely to interact with other drugs that you may take orally or inject. Many drugs interact with each other.Tell all healthcare providers of all medications you take, including prescription, over-the-counter and herbal products.
