What is Valchlor?
Gel Valchlor can be used for treating Stage 1A or 1B mycosis T-cell lymphoma of the fungoides type.The gel of Valchlor is generally applied after other treatments have been tried but with no success.Valchlor can also be employed for reasons not mentioned in this guideline for medication.
Warnings
Do not get Valchlor in your eye. Valchlor gel could cause blindness and permanent eye injuries. If this medication occurs in your eyes, wash them for a minimum of 15 minutes using a substantial amount of saline, water, or a solution for eye washing, after which you should seek urgent medical treatment.
Do not get this medication in your nose or in your mouth. If this happens, you should rinse it off for at least 15 minutes using plenty of water. You should seek immediate medical care. Valchlor may cause redness, pain, or even ulcers if it is found inside your nose or mouth.
Always seek emergency medical assistance. If this medication happens to get into your nose, eyes, or mouth,
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to take Valchlor if you have an allergy to mechlorethamine.Valchlor could be harmful in the event that it comes into contact with the skin of someone else. The caregiver should use disposable gloves when applying the medication to a person suffering from lymphoma of the cutaneous T-cells.
The use of this medication can increase the risk of developing other forms of cancer on the skin. Your physician will examine your skin regularly during your treatment with Valchlor.
Do not take Valchlor gel if you are expecting.Birth defects could also result from pregnancy-induced stressors. Make sure you use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy while you're taking this medication, and also inform your physician if you fall pregnant during treatment.
It is unclear if mechlorethamine gets into breast milk or whether it can harm the baby who is nursing.Breastfeeding while taking this medicine is not advised.
How to take Valchlor?
Utilize Valchlor gel as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Don't take this medicine in smaller or larger quantities or for a longer period than the recommended time.The gel of Valchlor is typically used once a day.
Place this medication in the original packaging (box) inside the refrigerator. Don't freeze. Beware of allowing this medication to come into contact with food items in the fridge.Use the medication within 30 minutes after taking it out of the refrigerator. After using it, place the medicine back in the refrigerator immediately.
Avoid using it for the first thirty minutes after having a bath or shower. Make sure that the skin is completely dry prior to applying the medication. Do not shower or bathe for the minimum of 4 hours after the application of Valchlor gel.Spread a small amount of the cream on the areas of skin that are affected. Let the gel dry for five to ten minutes before covering the skin area with a layer of clothing.
Don't cover the area of the skin with an elastic bandage.You can apply a cream, lotion, cream, or oil to the skin that has been treated 2 hours prior to or 2 hours following the application of Valchlor.Clean your hands after handling or applying the medicine. In the case of caregivers, use disposable gloves to apply the medication to the patient. Wash your hands after taking off the gloves before throwing them away.
Valchlor gel is flammable. Don't use it near extreme temperatures or open flames. Don't smoke until the gel has dried on your skin.Get rid of any unopened Valchlor gel that is not used within the first 90 days. Dispose of any gel that is not used or empty tubes, as well as disposable gloves that are used up in a trash bin kept out of pets' reach.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Malignant Disease:
0.4 mg/kg IV once every month or
0.2 mg/kg IV, once per day for 2 days or
0.1 mg/kg IV every day for 4 days, or
6 mg/m2 IV between days 1 through 8 of a 28-day cycle as part of the MOPP treatment regimen for Hodgkin's disease and
0.4 mg/kg of intracavity one time
0.2 mg/kg intrapericardial injection once.
Usual Adult Dose for Mycosis Fungoides:
0.01 percent topically, once per day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Malignant Disease:
Children: 0.4 mg/kg IV once per month or
0.2 mg/kg IV, once per day for 2 days or
0.1 mg/kg IV twice a day for four days or
6 mg/m2 IV between days 1 through 8 of a 28-day cycle in the MOPP regimen to treat Hodgkin's disease, or
0.4 mg/kg of intracavity one time
0.2 mg/kg intrapericardial infusion one time.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Utilize the dose missed immediately after your recall. Avoid your missed dosage if it's close to the time of the next dose.Do not take additional medication in an effort to make up for missed dosage. This could only add insult.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Do not get this medication into your eyes. Valchlor gel could cause blindness and permanent damage to your eyes. If this medication is in your eyes, clean them for a minimum of 15 minutes using a large amount of liquid, normal saline, and an eye wash, and then consult your physician.
Beware of getting this medication into your nose or mouth. If it does happen, wash your mouth for at least 15 minutes using plenty of water. Call your physician. Valchlor may cause redness, pain, or even ulcers if it's found inside your nose or mouth.Always seek medical attention in an emergency. If this medication happens to get into your nose, eyes, or mouth,
Side effects of Valchlor
Contact a medical professional immediately if you experience any symptoms or warnings of an allergic reaction to Valchlor gel. These include difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Contact your doctor immediately. If you suffer from:
- New skin lesions;
- Extreme redness, itchiness, or blistering;
- Redness or swelling, heat or pus, oozing, or other indications of skin inflammation
Common Valchlor side effects can be:
- Mild skin itching, or any other skin irritations;
- Change in the hue of treatment skin.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
It's not likely that other medications you take by mouth or inject can affect the mechlorethamine you apply topically. However, many medications can interact with each other. Be sure to inform your health care professionals about any medications you take, such as prescription and over-the-counter supplements, vitamins, and herbs.
