Valrubicin bladder irrigation solution

What is this medication?

VALRUBICIN (val ROO bi sin) is a chemotherapy drug. It is used to treat bladder cancer.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Valstar

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•prostate surgery

•recently received or scheduled to receive a vaccine

•urinary tract infection or bladder problems

•an unusual reaction to valrubicin, other medicines or chemotherapy drugs, polyoxyethylated castor oil, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This drug is given as a catheter infusion into the bladder. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. You will be given directions to follow before the treatment. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Try to hold this medicine in your bladder for 2 hours after treatment.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Women should not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 6 months after the last dose. Men should use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Men should inform their doctors if they wish to father a child. This medicine may lower sperm counts. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 2 weeks after the last dose.

Call your doctor or health care professional if you get a cold or other infection while receiving this medicine. Do not treat yourself. This medicine may decrease your body's ability to fight infection.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•blood in the urine

•breathing problems

•fever or chills, sore throat

•flu-like symptoms

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•discoloration of the urine (red)

•feel need to pass urine often or wake up at night to pass urine

•trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This drug is only given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.