Mechlorethamine topical gel

What is this medication?

MECHLORETHAMINE (me klor ETH a meen) topical gel is a chemotherapy drug that is used to treat mycosis fungoides which is a type of skin lymphoma.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): VALCHLOR

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

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

• an unusual or allergic reaction to mechlorethamine, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for external use only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Apply to completely dry skin at least 4 hours before or 30 minutes after showering or washing. Wash hands before and after use. Caregivers should wear disposable gloves to apply medicine. Avoid applying this medicine inside your eyes, nose, and mouth. Allow skin to dry for 5 to 10 minutes before covering with clothing. You may apply moisturizers to treated areas 2 hours before or 2 hours after applying this medicine. Do not wear air or water tight coverings over affected skin area. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

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?

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, only use that dose. Do not apply extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected with this medicine.

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.

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?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medicine can transfer from your body to others. If a person or pet comes in contact with the area where this medicine was applied to your skin, they may have a serious risk of side effects. If you cannot avoid skin-to-skin contact with another person, make sure the site where this medicine was applied is covered with clothing. If accidental contact happens, the skin of the person or pet should be washed right away with soap and water.

Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water.

Talk to your doctor about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medicine.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Men should not father a child while taking this medicine. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.

This medicine may make it more difficult to become pregnant or to father a child. You should talk with your doctor or health care professional if you are concerned about your fertility.

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
• severe redness, blistering, or swelling of the skin
• skin infection

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

• darkening of skin color

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?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Keep this medicine in the original container. Use within 30 minutes of taking out of the refrigerator. Return the tube to the refrigerator after each use. Talk with your pharmacist if the tube has been out of the refrigerator for more than 1 hour a day. Throw away any unused medicine after 60 days.

This medicine is flammable. Avoid exposure to heat, fire, flame, and smoking.

Discard unused medicine and used packaging carefully.

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.