Mechlorethamine topical

Generic name: Mechlorethamine Topical
Brand names: Valchlor
Dosage form: topical gel (0.016%)
Drug class: Topical antineoplastics

Usage of Mechlorethamine topical

Mechlorethamine topical (for the skin) is used to treat Stage 1A or 1B mycosis fungoides-type cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Mechlorethamine topical is usually given after other skin treatments have been tried without success.

Mechlorethamine topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Mechlorethamine topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Mechlorethamine topical may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

a new skin lesion;

severe skin irritation, itching, or blistering; or

redness or swelling, warmth, pus, oozing, or other signs of skin infection.

Common side effects of mechlorethamine topical may include:

mild skin itching or other irritation; or

changes in the color of treated 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.

Before taking Mechlorethamine topical

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to mechlorethamine.

Mechlorethamine topical can be dangerous if it gets on the skin of another person. Caregivers should wear disposable gloves while applying this medication to the person who is affected with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Using mechlorethamine topical may increase your risk of developing other types of skin cancer. Your doctor will need to check your skin on a regular basis while you are using mechlorethamine topical.

Do not use mechlorethamine topical if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

It is not known whether mechlorethamine topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Relate drugs

How to use Mechlorethamine topical

Usual Adult Dose for Mycosis Fungoides:

Apply a thin film once daily to affected areas of the skin.Use: For the topical treatment of Stage IA and IB mycosis fungoides-type cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in patients who have received prior skin-directed therapy

Warnings

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. Mechlorethamine topical gel can cause blindness or permanent injury to your eyes. If this medication gets in your eyes, rinse them for at least 15 minutes with a large amount of water, normal saline, or an eye wash solution, and then seek emergency medical attention.

Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or nose. If this does happen, rinse for at least 15 minutes with a large amount of water and seek emergency medical attention. Mechlorethamine topical can cause pain, redness, or ulcers if it gets in your mouth or nose.

Always get emergency medical help if this medication accidentally gets in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

What other drugs will affect Mechlorethamine topical

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied mechlorethamine. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

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