Valchlor
Generic name:mechlorethamine topical [ MEK-lor-ETH-a-meen-TOP-ik-al ]
Drug class:Topical antineoplastics
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 9, 2021.
What is Valchlor?
Valchlor gel is used to treat Stage 1A or 1B mycosis fungoides-type cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Valchlor gel is usually used after other skin treatments have been tried without success.
Valchlor may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Avoid getting Valchlor in your eyes. Valchlor gel can cause blindness or permanent injury to your eyes. If this medication gets in your eyes, rinse them for at least 15 minutes with a large amount of water, normal saline, or an eye wash solution, and then seek emergency medical attention.
Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or nose. If this does happen, rinse for at least 15 minutes with a large amount of water and seek emergency medical attention. Valchlor can cause pain, redness, or ulcers if it gets in your mouth or nose.
Always get emergency medical help if this medication accidentally gets in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Valchlor if you are allergic to mechlorethamine.
Valchlor can be dangerous if it gets on the skin of another person. Caregivers should wear disposable gloves while applying this medication to the person who is affected with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Using this medicine may increase your risk of developing other types of skin cancer. Your doctor will need to check your skin on a regular basis while you are using Valchlor.
Do not use Valchlor gel if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.It is not known whether mechlorethamine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How should I use Valchlor?
Use Valchlor gel exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Valchlor gel is usually applied once daily.
Store this medicine in its original container (box) in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Avoid allowing this medicine to come into contact with food in the refrigerator.
Apply the medicine within 30 minutes after removing it from the refrigerator. After use, put the medicine back into the refrigerator right away.
Do not use within the first 30 minutes after taking a shower or bath. Make sure the skin is completely dry before applying the medicine. Do not bathe or shower for at least 4 hours after applying Valchlor gel.
Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected skin areas. Allow the gel to dry for 5 to 10 minutes before covering the treated skin with clothing.
Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage.
You may apply skin lotion, cream, or oil to treated skin 2 hours before or 2 hours after applying ..
