What is Valstar?
Valstar serves to cure bladder cancer, which hasn't been able to spread to other parts of the body.A majority of people do not get a full response to Valstar. It is possible that you will require surgical intervention to eliminate your bladder in order to prevent your tumor from becoming metastatic (spreading into other areas of the body).
Valstar can also be used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.
Side effects of Valstar
Contact a medical professional immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms or warning signs of an allergic response, such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, tongue, throat, or face.
Valstar may cause serious side effects. Consult your physician immediately. If you suffer from:
- The urine is stained with blood or a painful urination for longer than 24 hours
- Burning or pain during urination;
- Low white blood cells (about one week after an Valstar injection): the symptoms include fever and mouth sores, sore throat, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Common adverse effects of Valstar could include:
- Pink or red urine in your first 24-hour period following you have received Valstar;
- An increased urge to urinate, the urge to urinate is increased; leakage of urine
- Uncomfortable or difficult to urinate;
- Discomfort in the bladder;
- An increase in urination after a night's sleep; more frequent urination during the night
- Nausea and stomach pain.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be present. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
There is a chance that you do not have an all-encompassing treatment response to Valstar, and your bladder could require surgical removal in order to stop the tumor from spreading into other areas within your body.
Before you take this drug
You shouldn't be treated with Valstar when you are allergic to the drug or are suffering from:
- A UTI;
- Bladder perforation (a tear or a hole)
- An allergy or sensitization to polyoxyl castor oil or other cancer drugs (daunorubicin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, mitoxantrone)
Inform your doctor immediately if you have experienced:
- An overactive bladder, incontinence, or leakage
- Bladder surgery;
- Having trouble keeping a lot of the urine you're putting in there.
It could be more difficult to get pregnant if you're using Valstar. It is still recommended to utilize birth control to prevent pregnancy since the medication can cause harm to a baby who is not born.Valstar could harm a newborn baby in the event that either the father or the mother is taking this medication.
- If you're female, do not use Valstar when you are expecting. Utilize the most effective contraception to avoid the possibility of pregnancy while using this medication and for at least 6 months following the last dose.
- If you're male, use effective birth control when your partner is capable of becoming pregnant. Continue using birth control for a minimum of 3 months following your last dose.
- Inform your doctor immediately when you notice a pregnancy when both the mother and father are taking Valstar.
Avoid breastfeeding while taking this medication, and at least 2 weeks following the last dose.
How to take Valstar?
Valstar is administered through the urinary tract via an injection catheter placed through the urethra (the tube that allows you to pass urine from the bladder). Your healthcare professional will prescribe the medicine every week for six weeks.
Valstar is typically given in the form of a solution of approximately 2.5 pounds (1/3 cup). The total amount is injected directly into the bladder and must be left in for 2 hours. Do not go to the bathroom during this period of time.Inform your doctor if you are having difficulty holding the medication for 2 hours.
If this medication gets on your skin, wash it thoroughly using soap and warm water.It is common for you to have frequent urine tests. And you may also require a urological biopsy or examination of your bladder using the scope.Take plenty of water every time you receive Valstar.It is possible that you will not get an entire reaction to Valstar. After 3 months of treatment with no reaction, the bladder could require surgical removal. This will help prevent the tumor from spreading to other areas of your body. Metastatic bladder cancer is typically fatal.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Consult your physician for recommendations in the event that you don't make an appointment to receive your Valstar.
What happens if I overdose?
Because Valstar is prescribed by a health specialist in a medical setting, it is not likely to overdose; however, it can cause a worsening of bladder issues.
What should be avoided?
Follow your doctor's advice regarding food, drinks, food, or any activity.
Interaction with other drug
Since Valstar does not enter the bloodstream, it's unlikely to be influenced by other drugs you are taking. However, many medications can interact with each other. Inform your healthcare professionals about all medications you are taking, which includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal remedies.
