Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Mechlorethamine HCl injection

Mechlorethamine HCl injection Drug Category MECHLORETHAMINE - INJECTION

Mechlorethamine HCl injection Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. MECHLORETHAMINE - INJECTION (MEH-klor-ETH-uh-meen) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Mustargen WARNING: Do not inhale the dust and vapors of this medication. Avoid direct contact on skin, nose, mouth, or eyes. This medication is very damaging to surrounding tissue if it accidentally leaks. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop signs of leakage: pain, swelling, peeling and hardening of the skin around the injection site. Ice may be applied for 6 to 12 hours and a special medication (sodium thiosulfate) may be used if leakage occurs. USES: Meclorethamine is used to treat various types of cancer. HOW TO USE: This is a potent medication. Use it exactly as prescribed. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience pain, burning or redness at the place where injected. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. This helps your kidneys to remove the drug from your body and avoid some of the side effects. SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, headache, confusion, drowsiness, metallic taste or weakness are common side effects. Taking the medication on an empty stomach with a full glass of water may help relieve vomiting. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Temporary hair loss is another common side effect; normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. Contact your doctor, without delay, if you experience any of the following symptoms: fever, chills, painful or difficult urination, missed menstrual periods, painful rash, unusual or easy bruising or bleeding, black tarry stools, blood in the urine or stools, small red spots on the skin, joint pain, swollen feet or lower legs, sores in mouth or on the lips, yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, lower back or side pain, dizziness, ringing in ears, hearing loss, numbness/tingling or burning in the fingers/toes/face. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor you medical history, especially of: liver disease, blood disorders, any infections, recent exposure to chickenpox, previous treatment with anti-cancer drugs, any allergies you may have. This medication can lower your body's ability to fight infections. Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of an infection such as: fever, sore throat, rash, chills. Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured. Avoid touching your eyes or the inside your nose without first washing your hands. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all medications you may use, both prescription and nonprescription. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include persistent sore throat or fever, or easy bruising/bleeding. NOTES: Regular doctor visits are important. Frequent blood tests will be done to monitor your progress. MISSED DOSE: It is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor. STORAGE: Store vial at room temperature between 56 and 86 degrees F (between 13.3 and 30 degrees C). MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).