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mechlorethamine - injection, Mustargen

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GENERIC NAME: MECHLORETHAMINE - INJECTION (MEH-klor-ETH-uh-meen)

BRAND NAME(S): Mustargen

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Mechlorethamine must be handled and used very carefully. Direct contact with the skin, nose, mouth, or eyes may cause severe damage. Precautions (e.g., wearing a mask/outer garment/gloves) should be taken to prevent direct contact or breathing the dust/vapors from this medication.

Mechlorethamine is usually given by injection into a vein. If this medication accidentally leaks into the skin/muscle around the injection site, it may cause severe damage. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice hardening/peeling of the skin, redness, pain, or swelling at or near the injection site. Prompt treatment (e.g., ice compress, thiosulfate solution) may lessen damage.

USES: Meclorethamine is used to treat various types of cancer (e.g., Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

HOW TO USE: This medication is usually given by injection into a vein by a health care professional, as directed by your doctor. It may also be given by placing within certain parts of the body (e.g., chest, abdomen) or applying to the skin (for certain skin conditions). Dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment.If this medication touches your skin, immediately remove any clothing/shoes that may have been in contact with the medication, and wash the area well with water for at least 15 minutes. Then apply a certain solution (thiosulfate) to help reduce skin damage. If this medication gets in your eye, open the eyelid and flush well with water or balanced salt solution for 15 minutes, then seek immediate medical attention.Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so may help decrease the risk of certain side effects (e.g., increased uric acid).

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section.Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, headache, confusion, drowsiness, metallic taste in the mouth, or weakness may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may infrequently result in a loss of too much body water (dehydration). Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration such as unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/increased thirst, lack of tears, dizziness/lightheadedness, or pale/wrinkled skin.Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.Many people using this medication have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: hearing changes (decreased hearing, ringing in ears), menstrual changes (e.g., stopped periods), numbness/tingling, unusual bleeding/bruising (e.g., small red spots on the skin, black/bloody stools, bloody urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds), urination changes (e.g., decreased/painful urination).This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Tell your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, or persistent sore throat.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.