Mechlorethamine (Topical application)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 25, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Valchlor

Available Dosage Forms:

• Gel/Jelly

Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic, Dermatological

Pharmacologic Class: Alkylating Agent

Chemical Class: Nitrogen Mustard

Uses for mechlorethamine

Mechlorethamine topical is used to treat a type of skin cancer called mycosis fungoides-type T-cell lymphoma in patients who have received previous skin treatment. It belongs to the group of cancer medicines called alkylating agents. Mechlorethamine interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed.

Mechlorethamine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using mechlorethamine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For mechlorethamine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to mechlorethamine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of mechlorethamine topical in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of mechlorethamine topical in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have unwanted skin reactions, which may require caution in patients using mechlorethamine.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper use of mechlorethamine

It is very important that you use mechlorethamine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Mechlorethamine is only for use on the skin. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes, or burns. If it does get on these areas, rinse it o...