Valchlor (mechlorethamine) gel is used to treat Stage 1A or 1B mycosis fungoides-type cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Valchlor gel is usually used after other skin treatments have been tried without success.
Valchlor may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Avoid getting Valchlor in your eyes. Valchlor 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. Valchlor 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.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Valchlor if you are allergic to mechlorethamine.
Valchlor 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 this medicine 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 Valchlor.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Valchlor gel if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether mechlorethamine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How should I use Valchlor?
Use Valchlor gel exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Valchlor gel is usually applied once daily.
Store this medicine in its original container (box) in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Avoid allowing this medicine to come into contact with food in the refrigerator.
Apply the medicine within 30 minutes after removing it from the refrigerator. After use, put the medicine back into the refrigerator right away.
Do not use within the first 30 minutes after taking a shower or bath. Make sure the skin is completely dry before applying the medicine. Do not bathe or shower for at least 4 hours after applying Valchlor gel.
Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected skin areas. Allow the gel to dry for 5 to 10 minutes before covering the treated skin with clothing.
Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage.
You may apply skin lotion, cream, or oil to treated skin 2 hours before or 2 hours after applying Valchlor.
Wash your hands after applying or handling this medicine. If you are a caregiver, wear disposable gloves to apply the medicine to the patient and wash your hands after removing the gloves and throwing them away.
Valchlor gel is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.
Throw away any unused Valchlor gel after 60 days. Throw away unused gel, empty tubes, and used disposable gloves in a trash container out of the reach of children and pets.
Valchlor dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Malignant Disease:
0.4 mg/kg IV once a month or
0.2 mg/kg IV once a day for 2 days or
0.1 mg/kg IV once a day for 4 days or
6 mg/m2 IV on days 1 and 8 of a 28 day cycle, as part of the MOPP regimen for Hodgkin"s disease or
0.4 mg/kg intracavity injection one time or
0.2 mg/kg intrapericardial injection one time.
Usual Adult Dose for Mycosis Fungoides:
0.01% topically once a day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Malignant Disease:
Child: 0.4 mg/kg IV once a month or
0.2 mg/kg IV once a day for 2 days or
0.1 mg/kg IV once a day for 4 days or
6 mg/m2 IV on days 1 and 8 of a 28 day cycle, as part of the MOPP regimen for Hodgkin"s disease or
0.4 mg/kg intracavity injection one time or
0.2 mg/kg intrapericardial injection one time.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using Valchlor?
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. Valchlor 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 call your doctor.
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 call your doctor. Valchlor 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.
Valchlor side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Valchlor gel: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
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severe skin irritation, itching, or blistering; or
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redness or swelling, warmth, pus, oozing, or other signs of skin infection.
Common Valchlor side effects may include:
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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Valchlor?
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.
