MECHLORETHAMINE (Topical)

Brand & Generic Names

Mustargen

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antineoplastic (topical)

Uses

• Treats mycosis fungoides.
• Treats other malignancies (by injection).

Dosage & Usage Information

How to use:
Solution--Mix according to doctor's instructions. Don't inhale vapors or powder.
Shower and rinse before treatment.
Use rubber gloves to apply over entire body.
Avoid contact with eyes, nose and mouth.
Ointment--Use according to doctor's instructions.

When to use:
Usually once a day.

If you forget a dose:
Notify your doctor.

What drug does:
Destroys cells that produce mycosis fungoides.

Time lapse before drug works:
None. Works immediately.

Don't use with:
Any other medicines (including over-the-counter drugs such as cough and cold medicines, laxatives, antacids, diet pills, caffeine, nose drops or vitamins) without consulting your doctor.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None expected for topical solutions.

WHAT TO DO:

Not intended for internal use. If child accidentally swallows, call poison-control center.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Immediate hives, Seek emergency treatment shortness of breath. immediately.

Common:

Darkening, dry skin.

Infrequent:

Allergic reaction with rash, itching, hives.

Rare:

None expected.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't use if:
You are allergic to mechlorethamine.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have chicken pox.
• If you have shingles (herpes zoster).
• If you have skin infection.

Over age 60:
No special problems expected.

Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
No special problems expected.

Prolonged use:

• Allergic or hypersensitive reactions more likely.
• Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check liver function, complete blood counts (white blood cell count, platelet count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit) and hearing tests.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.

Discontinuing:
No special problems expected.

Others:

• Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.
• May affect results in some medical tests.
• Don't use if solution is discolored.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.