permit you to Valchlor Generic Name: Mechlorethamine Hydrochloride Class: Skin and Mucous Membrane Agents, Miscellaneous Chemical Name: 2-Chloro-N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-methylethanamine hydrochloride Molecular Formula: CH 3 N(CH 2 CH 2 Cl) 2 HCl CAS Number: 55-86-7 Overview Side Effects Dosage Professional Pregnancy More User Reviews Support Group Q & A Pricing & Coupons Introduction Antineoplastic agent; nitrogen mustard-derivative alkylating agent. 1 3 4 Slideshow Binge Eating Disorder: Beyond Overeating Uses for Valchlor Mycosis Fungoides-type Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL) Topical treatment of cutaneous lesions in patients with early (stage IA and IB) mycosis fungoides-type CTCL who have received prior skin-directed therapy. 1 3 Designated an orphan drug by FDA for use in this condition. 2 Expert treatment guidelines include topical mechlorethamine as one of several recommended treatment options for patients with early stages of mycosis fungoides-type CTCL. 5 6 8 9 Valchlor Dosage and Administration Administration Topical Administration Apply to skin as commercially available 0.016% mechlorethamine gel. 1 Has been applied to skin as aqueous solution or ointment-based preparation compounded extemporaneously using mechlorethamine hydrochloride for injection. 3 4 7 8 11 For topical dermatologic use only . 1 Do not use near or in the eyes, nose, or mouth. 1 (See Mucosal or Eye Injury under Cautions.) Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling or applying the drug. 1 (See Warnings/Precautions under Cautions.) Application by Caregiver Manufacturer states caregiver must wear disposable nitrile gloves during application and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after removing the gloves. 1 In case of accidental skin exposure, immediately wash exposed areas thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes and remove contaminated clothing. 1 In case of accidental exposure to eyes, mouth, or nose, immediately irrigate exposed area for 15 minutes with copious amounts of water. 1 Gel Apply gel immediately (or within 30 minutes) after removal from refrigerator; return gel to refrigerator immediately after each use. 1 Apply gel to completely dry skin 4 hours before or 30 minutes after showering or washing affected areas. 1 After application, allow treated areas to dry for 5 10 minutes before covering with clothing. 1 May apply emollients (moisturizers) to treated areas 2 hours before or 2 hours after application of the gel. 1 Do not use occlusive dressings on treated areas. 1 Avoid fire, flame, and smoking until gel has dried. 1 Extemporaneously Compounded Ointment Usually prepared by dissolving mechlorethamine hydrochloride in dehydrated alcohol, filtering the solution to remove insoluble sodium chloride present in the commercial preparation (although filtration may not be necessary), and mixing the drug-alcohol solution into petrolatum or another anhydrous ointment base (e.g., hydrophilic petrolatum). 11 12 15 Usual mechlorethamine hydrochloride concentration is 0.01 or 0.02%. 3 4 7 8 11 12 14 15 Consult specialized references for detailed information on preparation of topical ointments. Extemporaneously Compounded Solution Usually prepared by dissolving 10 mg of mechlorethamine hydrochloride in 50 100 mL of water. 4 11 16 17 18 19 20 Consult specialized references for detailed information on preparation of topical solutions. Because of limited stability, prepare solution immediately before use. 4 11 Dosage Available as mechlorethamine hydrochloride; dosage of gel expressed in terms of mechlorethamine. 1 Adults Mycosis Fungoides-type CTCL Topical Apply thin film of mechlorethamine 0.016% gel to affected areas once daily. 1 Interrupt treatment if any skin ulceration or blistering, or moderately severe or severe dermatitis (i.e., marked erythema with edema), occurs. 1 Upon improvement, may resume with reduced frequency of once every 3 days. 1 If reintroduction tolerated for 1 week, may increase application frequency to every other day for 1 week and then to once daily if tolerated. 1 Concentration of mechlorethamine hydrochloride in topical solutions and ointments, frequency of application, and duration of treatment have been based on dermatologic response and tolerance. 4 11 16 Usual ointment concentration is 0.01 or 0.02%; 3 4 7 8 11 12 14 15 may use lower concentrations initially in patients with dermatitis or history of hypersensitivity reactions to the topically applied drug, or use higher concentrations in patients with extensive or resistant lesions. 4 11 12 14 15 Topical applications of mechlorethamine preparations generally are repeated once daily until the lesions disappear. 4 11 Optimal duration of therapy following clinical remission not fully established. 4 8 11 Special Populations No special population dosage recommendations at this time. 1 Cautions for Valchlor Contraindications Known severe hypersensitivity to mechlorethamine. 1 Warnings/Precautions Sensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, reported following exposure to topical formulations of mechlorethamine. 1 4 11 21 Desensitization using topical mechlorethamine has been used with some success to prevent allergic contact dermatitis with additional therapy. 4 11 12 Mucosal or Eye Injury Eye exposure causes pain, burns, inflammation, photophobia, and blurred vision, and possibly blindness and severe irreversible anterior eye injury. 1 If eye exposure occurs, immediately irrigate affected eye(s) with copious amounts of water, 0.9% sodium chloride, or balanced salt ophthalmic irrigating solution for 15 minutes and obtain immediate medical care, including ophthalmologic consultation. 1 Mucosal exposure causes pain, erythema, and ulceration, which may be severe. 1 If mucosal exposure occurs, immediately irrigate affected area with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes and seek immediate medical consultation. 1 Secondary Exposure to Topical Mechlorethamine Secondary exposure may cause dermatitis, mucosal injury, and secondary cancers. 1 Avoid direct skin contact with gel by anyone other than patient. 1 Follow application instructions carefully to prevent secondary exposure (see Topical Administration under Dosage and Administration). 1 Dermatitis The most common adverse effect of topical mechlorethamine. 1 3 4 11 Reported in 56% of patients receiving the gel; was moderately severe or severe in 23% of patients. 1 Monitor patients for erythema, swelling, inflammation, pruritus, blisters, ulceration, and secondary skin infections. 1 Face, genitalia, anus, and intertriginous areas associated with increased risk. 1 4 11 May require treatment interruption or dosage adjustment (see Dosage under Dosage and Administration). 1 7 Topical emollients, oral antihistamines, and topical corticosteroids have been used to treat dermatitis. 3 7 11 Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Nonmelanoma skin cancer reported during clinical trial or one year of posttreatment follow-up in 4% of patients receiving mechlorethamine gel or an extemporaneously compounded ointment (2 or 6% of patients, respectively). 1 Some patients previously had received therapies known to cause such cancers. 1 May occur on any area of the skin, including untreated areas. 1 Monitor patients for nonmelanoma skin cancer during and after treatment. 1 Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality Mechlorethamine can cause fetal harm. 1 If used during pregnancy or if patient becomes pregnant, apprise of potential fetal hazard. 1 Systemic mechlorethamine associated with malformations in children exposed to the drug in utero; single sub-Q dose in animals associated with growth retardation, teratogenicity, and embryolethality. 1 Flammable Gel Gel is alcohol based and flammable. 1 Carefully follow application instructions (see Topical Administration under Dosage and Administration). 1 Specific Populations Pregnancy Category D. 1 (See Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality under Cautions.) Lactation Not known whether mechlorethamine is distributed into human milk. 1 Discontinue nursing or the drug. 1 Pediatric Use Safety and efficacy not established. 1 Geriatric Use Among patients receiving mechlorethamine gel for mycosis fungoides-type CTCL in a clinical trial, response rate appeared to be lower (44 versus 66%) and rates of adverse cutaneous reactions (70 versus 58%) and discontinuance due to adverse effects (38 versus 14%) higher in patients 65 years of age compared with younger patients. 1 Common Adverse Effects Dermatitis, 1 3 pruritus, 1 laboratory abnormalities (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia), 1 bacterial skin infection, 1 skin ulceration or blistering, 1 skin hyperpigmentation. 1 Interactions for Valchlor Drug interaction studies not performed to date. 1 Systemic drug interactions unlikely. 1 Valchlor Pharmacokinetics Absorption Bioavailability Mechlorethamine was undetectable in plasma following topical administration of mechlorethamine 0.016% gel once daily for one month. 1 Mechlorethamine and half-mustard were undetectable in plasma after 2, 4, or 6 months of treatment with mechlorethamine 0.032% gel once daily. 1 7 Distribution Extent Not known whether distributed into milk. 1 Stability Storage Topical Gel Prior to dispensing: -25 to -15 C. 1 After dispensing: 2 8 C (in original box). 1 Discard any unused gel after 60 days. 1 Actions Mechanism of action of topical mechlorethamine uncertain. 4 May not be related solely to alkylating action; immune mechanisms may be involved. 4 Advice to Patients Importance of reading manufacturer's patient information (e.g., medication guide) before starting mechlorethamine gel therapy and reviewing this information each time prescription is renewed. 1 Importance of storing mechlorethamine gel in original box in refrigerator out of reach of children and away from food. 1 Contact pharmacist before use if gel is left at room temperature for >1 hour per day. 1 Discard any unused gel after 60 days. 1 Importance of strict adherence to recommended instructions for use and administration precautions. 1 Importance of washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling or applying the drug. 1 Risk of adverse effects (e.g., dermatitis, mucosal injury, secondary cancers) from secondary exposure; avoid direct skin contact in individuals other than the patient. 1 Importance of caregivers wearing disposable nitrile gloves while applying mechlorethamine to patients and washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after removal of gloves. 1 Importance of caregivers taking appropriate measures if accidental skin exposure occurs (see Application by Caregiver under Dosage and Administration). 1 Dispose of used gloves and unneeded or used containers of the drug in a manner that prevents exposure of others. 1 Risk of adverse ocular effects (e.g., pain, burns, inflammation, photophobia, blurred vision, blindness, severe irreversible injury) if eye exposure occurs; avoid eye contact and take appropriate measures if accidental eye contact occurs (see Mucosal or Eye Injury under Cautions). 1 Risk of adverse effects (e.g., pain, erythema, ulceration), possibly severe, if contact with mucous membranes occurs; avoid mucosal contact and take appropriate measures if accidental mucosal contact occurs (see Mucosal or Eye Injury under Cautions). 1 Risk of dermatitis, including increased risk on face, genitalia, anus, and intertriginous areas. 1 Contact clinician if symptoms of dermatitis occur. 1 Risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer. 1 Notify clinician of any new skin lesions and undergo periodic assessments for signs and symptoms of skin cancer. 1 Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed. 1 Necessity of advising women to avoid pregnancy and not to breast-feed during therapy. 1 Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs and herbal supplements, as well as any concomitant illnesses. 1 Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information. 1 (See Cautions.) Preparations Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details. Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations. Mechlorethamine Hydrochloride Routes Dosage Forms Strengths Brand Names Manufacturer Topical Gel 0.016% (of mechlorethamine) Valchlor Actelion AHFS DI Essentials. Copyright 2017, Selected Revisions April 6, 2015. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. References 1. Actelion Pharmaceuticals US, Inc. Valchlor (mechlorethamine) gel prescribing information. South San Francisco, CA; 2013 Sep. 2. US Food and Drug Administration. Search orphan drug designations and approvals. From FDA web site. Accessed 2014 Aug 5. 3. Lessin SR, Duvic M, Guitart J et al. Topical chemotherapy in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: positive results of a randomized, controlled, multicenter trial testing the efficacy and safety of a novel mechlorethamine, 0.02%, gel in mycosis fungoides. JAMA Dermatol . 2013; 149:25-32. [PubMed 23069814] 4. Kim YH, Martinez G, Varghese A et al. Topical nitrogen mustard in the management of mycosis fungoides: update of the Stanford experience. Arch Dermatol . 2003; 139:165-73. [PubMed 12588222] 5. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Clinical practice guidelines in oncology: Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Version 2.2014. Available at the NCCN website. Accessed 2014 Jul 2. 6. Mycosis fungoides and the Sézary syndrome treatment (PDQ ). From: PDQ Physician data query (database). Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute; 2014 Jan 24. Accessed 2014 Aug 7. 7. US Food and Drug Administration. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Application Number 202317Orig1s000: Risk assessment and risk mitigation review(s). From FDA website. Accessed 2014 Aug 5. 8. Whittaker SJ, Marsden JR, Spittle M et al. Joint British Association of Dermatologists and U.K. Cutaneous Lymphoma Group guidelines for the management of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. Br J Dermatol . 2003; 149:1095-1107. [PubMed 14696593] 9. Willemze R, Dreyling M, ESMO Guidelines Working Group. Primary cutaneous lymphomas: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol . 2010; 21 Suppl 5:v177-80. 10. Olsen EA, Whittaker S, Kim YH et al. Clinical end points and response criteria in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome: a consensus statement of the International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas, the United States Cutaneous Lymphoma Consortium, and the Cutaneous Lymphoma Task Force of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer. J Clin Oncol . 2011; 29:2598-607. [PubMed 21576639] 11. Kim YH. Management with topical nitrogen mustard in mycosis fungoides. Dermatol Ther . 2003; 16:288-98. [PubMed 14686971] 12. Reviewers comments (personal observations) on Mechlorethamine Hydrochloride 10:00. 13. Ross WE, Chabner BA. Allergic reaction to cyclophosphamide in a mechlorethamine-sensitive patient. Cancer Treat Rep . 1977 May-Jun; 61:495-6. 14. Vonderheid EC. Topical mechlorethamine chemotherapy. Considerations on its use in mycosis fungoides. Int J Dermatol . 1984; 23:180-6. [PubMed 6373639] 15. Price NM, Hoppe RT, Deneau DG. Ointment-based mechlorethamine treatment for mycosis fungoides. Cancer . 1983; 52:2214-9. [PubMed 6640491] 16. Vonderheid EC, Van Scott EJ, Wallner PE et al. A 10-year experience with topical mechlorethamine for mycosis fungoides: comparison with patients treated by total-skin electron-beam radiation therapy. Cancer Treat Rep . 1979; 63:681-9. [PubMed 109206] 17. Van Scott EJ, Grekin DA, Kalmanson JD et al. Frequent low doses of intravenous mechlorethamine for late-stage mycosis fungoides lymphoma. Cancer . 1975; 36:1613-8. [PubMed 1192353] 18. Van Scott EJ, Kalmanson JD. Complete remissions of mycosis fungoides lymphoma induced by topical nitrogen mustard (HN2). Control of delayed hypersensitivity to HN2 by desensitization and by induction of specific immunologic tolerance. Cancer . 1973; 32:18-30. [PubMed 4577503] 19. Price NM, Hoppe RT, Constantine VS et al. The treatment of mycosis fungoides: adjuvant topical mechlorethamine after electron beam therapy. Cancer . 1977; 40:2851-3. [PubMed 412580] 20. Price NM, Constantine VS, Hoppe RT et al. Topical mechlorethamine therapy for mycosis fungoides. Br J Dermatol . 1977; 97:547-50. [PubMed 588466] 21. Ramsay DL, Halperin PS, Zeleniuch-Jacquotte A. Topical mechlorethamine therapy for early stage mycosis fungoides. J Am Acad Dermatol . 1988; 19:684-91. [PubMed 3183094] 22. Vonderheid EC, Tan ET, Kantor AF et al. Long-term efficacy, curative potential, and carcinogenicity of topical mechlorethamine chemotherapy in cutaneous T cell lymphoma. J Am Acad Dermatol . 1989; 20:416-28. [PubMed 2537348] Next Pregnancy Warnings Print this page Add to My Med List More about Valchlor (mechlorethamine topical) Side Effects During Pregnancy Dosage Information Support Group Pricing & Coupons En Español 0 Reviews Add your own review/rating Drug class: topical antineoplastics Consumer resources Valchlor Valchlor (Advanced Reading) Professional resources Valchlor Gel (FDA) Mechlorethamine Hydrochloride (AHFS Monograph) Related treatment guides Mycosis Fungoides} FEATURED: CAR-T Cell Therapy Overview Mechanism of Action KTE-C19 Studies KTE-C19 Cancer Targets Adverse Events Manufacturing Drug Status Rx Availability Prescription only D Pregnancy Category Positive evidence of risk N/A CSA Schedule Not a controlled drug Approval History Drug history at FDA Manufacturer Actelion Pharmaceuticals US, Inc. Drug Class Topical antineoplastics Related Drugs Mycosis Fungoides prednisone , methotrexate , dexamethasone , Decadron , Deltasone , Trexall , Sterapred , vinblastine , Dexasone , Adcetris , brentuximab , Dexpak Taperpak , Prednicot , Baycadron , Sterapred DS , Velban , Dexacen-4 , More... Valchlor Rating No Reviews - Be the first! No Reviews - Be the first! Not Rated - Be the first!} } an extra
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