mechlorethamine Health Article

Generic name(s):

mechlorethamine

Brand name(s):

Mustargen

What is the most important information I should know about mechlorethamine?

Mechlorethamine should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of mechlorethamine including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat); severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with mechlorethamine.

Mechlorethamine is highly toxic and both the powder and solution must be handled with care. Inhalation of dust or vapors and contact with skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose and mouth) must be avoided.

What is mechlorethamine?

Mechlorethamine is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Mechlorethamine interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Mechlorethamine is used to treat several types of cancer, such as Hodgkin's Disease, lymphosarcoma, chronic myelocytic or chronic lymphocytic leukemia, lung cancer and mycosis fungoides. Mechlorethamine is also used to treat certain other blood disorders (polycythemia vera) and is sometimes injected into body spaces, such as the chest, abdomen or the sack containing the heart, to stop the accumulation of fluids caused by cancer.

Mechlorethamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take mechlorethamine?

Before taking mechlorethamine, tell your doctor if you

• have had recent vaccinations;

• have any type of infection;

• have bone marrow problems;

• have had radiation or x-ray therapy; or

• have been treated with other cancer (chemotherapy) medicines.

You may not be able to take mechlorethamine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Mechlorethamine is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that mechlorethamine is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take mechlorethamine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Contraceptive measures are recommended during treatment with mechlorethamine. It is not known whether mechlorethamine passes into breast milk. Do not take mechlorethamine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

How should I take mechlorethamine?

Mechlorethamine should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with mechlorethamine depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with mechlorethamine to monitor progress and side effects.

Mechlorethamine is highly toxic and both the powder and solution must be handled with care. Inhalation of dust or vapors and contact with skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose and mouth) must be avoided. Should accidental contact occur, rinse the area with water and seek emergency medical attention.

Your healthcare provider will store mechlorethamine as directed by the manufacturer.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of mechlorethamine injection.

What happens if I overdose?

If for any reason an overdose of mechlorethamine is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms of a mechlorethamine overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.