valrubicin Health Article

Generic name(s):

valrubicin

Brand name(s):

Valstar

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

Valrubicin 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 valrubicin including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); severe heart damage with prolonged use; 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); severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with valrubicin.

What is valrubicin?

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

Valrubicin is used to treat bladder cancer.

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

Who should not use valrubicin?

Do not use valrubicin without first talking to your doctor if you have

• a urinary tract infection;

• a perforated or otherwise damaged bladder;

• kidney disease; or

• irritable bladder disorder.

The use of valrubicin may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Valrubicin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. Systemic exposure to valrubicin may result in harm to an unborn baby. Do not use valrubicin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Men and women being treated with valrubicin should discuss with their doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with valrubicin if necessary. Because of the potential for serious side effects in a nursing infant, breast-feeding should be avoided during treatment with valrubicin. The safety and effectiveness of valrubicin in children has not been established.

How should I use valrubicin?

Valrubicin 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 valrubicin depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Valrubicin has caused a complete response in only about 1 in 5 patients and delaying surgery could lead to wide-spread bladder cancer, which is lethal. 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 valrubicin to monitor progress and side effects.

Skin accidentally exposed to valrubicin should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Your healthcare provider will store valrubicin as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing valrubicin at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of valrubicin.

What happens if I overdose?

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

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

What should I avoid while using valrubicin?

Valrubicin can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with valrubicin. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.

Skin accidentally exposed to valrubicin should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.