GENERIC NAME: VALRUBICIN - INTRAVESICAL (val-REWB-eh-sin)
BRAND NAME(S): Valstar
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: Valrubicin is used to treat bladder cancer when surgery is not yet indicated. If the cancer does not completely respond to treatment after 3 months, surgery may be recommended.
HOW TO USE: This medication is placed in the bladder through a catheter, held in the bladder for two hours, and then released by urinating. Usually this drug is given once a week for six weeks, or use as directed by your doctor. This medication should be a clear red color. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. This medication may not cure your cancer. Delaying surgery could lead to a more serious illness (metastatic cancer). Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Drink plenty of clear liquids (e.g., water, juice) after using this medication. Use effective forms of birth control while using this medication. It is also recommended that men should not have sex during the time they are being treated with this medication. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: For the first 24 hours of treatment, common side effects may occur such as red-colored urine and/or irritable bladder symptoms (painful urination, bladder spasm, urinary urgency and/or frequency). If any of these effects persist after 24 hours, contact your doctor immediately. Nausea, abdominal/stomach pain, diarrhea, headaches, weakness, malaise, dizziness, rash, chest pain, or back pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these very unlikely but serious side effects occur: bloody urine, unusual fatigue, fever, persistent sore throat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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.
- Cancer - Learn about cancer types, disease statistics, facts, and survival rates, and get information about how malignant tumors (cancerous growths) metastasize or spread.
- Bladder Cancer - Get information on bladder cancer causes, risks (smoking), symptoms, signs, staging, treatment (chemotherapy, surgery [cystectomy]), diagnosis and tumor types.
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