Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides-type): Topical: Apply a thin film once daily to affected areas of skin. In the clinical study, treatment was continued for 1 year and concurrent use of topical or systemic corticosteroids was not allowed (Lessin 2013).
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; however, based on the lack of systemic exposure, dosage adjustment is likely not necessary.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; however, based on the lack of systemic exposure, dosage adjustment is likely not necessary.
Refer to adult dosing.
Skin ulceration (any grade), blistering, or dermatitis (moderately severe-to-severe): Withhold treatment; upon improvement, may reinitiate treatment with a reduced frequency of once every 3 days; if every 3-day application is tolerated for at least 1 week, may increase to every other day for at least 1 week, then (if tolerated) may increase to once daily.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Gel, External:
Valchlor: 0.016% (60 g) [contains edetate (edta) disodium, isopropyl alcohol, menthol, propylene glycol]
No
Valchlor 0.016% is equivalent to 0.02% mechlorethamine hydrochloride
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Gel, External:
Ledaga: 0.016% (60 g) [contains edetate (edta) disodium, isopropyl alcohol, menthol, propylene glycol]
Valchlor is only available through a specialty pharmacy; information regarding prescribing and access may be found at www.valchlor.com.
An FDA-approved patient medication guide, which is available with the product information and as follows, must be dispensed with this medication:
Valchlor: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/202317s009lbl.pdf#page=10
Apply a thin film topically to affected area. Apply immediately (or within 30 minutes) after removal from refrigerator; return to refrigerator promptly after each use. Apply to completely dry skin at least 4 hours before or 30 minutes after showering/washing. Allow treated area(s) to dry for 5 to 10 minutes after application before covering with clothing. May apply emollients (moisturizers) to treated area 2 hours before or 2 hours after mechlorethamine application. Do not use occlusive dressings over treatment areas. Avoid fire, flame, and smoking until mechlorethamine has dried.
Caregivers should wear nitrile gloves when applying to patients. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling/application. If accidental skin exposure occurs, wash thoroughly for at least 15 minutes with soap and water; remove any contaminated clothing.
Hazardous agent (NIOSH 2016 [group 1]).
Use appropriate precautions for receiving, handling, administration, and disposal. Gloves (single) should be worn during receiving, unpacking, and placing in storage. NIOSH recommends double gloving, a protective gown, and (if liquid that could splash) eye/face protection for administration of a topical product; if there is potential for inhalation, respiratory protection is recommended (NIOSH 2016).
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: Topical treatment of stage IA and IB mycosis fungoides-type cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in patients who have received prior skin-directed therapy
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
>10%:
Dermatologic: Dermatitis (56%; moderately severe or severe: 23%), pruritus (20%), bacterial skin infection (11%)
Hematologic & oncologic: Hematologic abnormality (decreased hemoglobin, neutrophils, or platelets; 13%)
1% to 10%:
Dermatologic: Dermal ulcer (6%), skin hyperpigmentation (5%)
Hematologic & oncologic: Malignant neoplasm (nonmelanoma skin cancer; 2%)
Postmarketing and/or case reports: Anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity reaction
Known severe hypersensitivity to mechlorethamine or any component of the formulation
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Accidental exposure: Eye exposure may result in pain, burning, inflammation, photophobia, and blurred vision. Blindness and severe anterior eye injury (irreversible) may occur. If exposure to eye(s) occurs, promptly irrigate for at least 15 minutes with copious amounts of water, normal saline, or balanced salt ophthalmic irrigating solution; obtain immediate medical care, including ophthalmology consultation. Exposure to mucous membranes may cause pain, redness, and ulceration; may be severe. If mucosal contact occurs, irrigate promptly for at least 15 minutes with copious amounts of water and obtain medical consultation.
• Dermatitis: Dermatitis commonly occurs; may be moderately severe or severe. Monitor for redness, swelling, itching, blistering, ulceration, and secondary skin infections. Facial, genitalia, anus and intertriginous skin areas are at increased risk for dermatitis. Dermatitis may require dosage reduction.
• Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis) have occurred with topical mechlorethamine application.
• Secondary exposure: Avoid direct contact with mechlorethamine (other than intended treatment areas for the patient). Secondary exposure risks include dermatitis, mucosal injury, and secondary malignancies. To prevent secondary exposure, follow recommended application procedures.
• Secondary malignancy: In a clinical study, non-melanoma skin cancers developed during or within 1 year following treatment. Some instances occurred in patients who had received previous treatments that were associated with non-melanoma skin cancer. Monitor for non-melanoma skin cancers during and following treatment; may occur anywhere on the skin, including untreated areas.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Flammable gel: Mechlorethamine gel contains alcohol and is flammable; follow recommended application procedures and avoid fire, flame, and smoking until mechlorethamine has dried.
None known.
There are no known significant interactions.
Females of reproductive potential are advised not to become pregnant during topical mechlorethamine treatment. Females of reproductive potential and males with female partners of reproductive potential should use a barrier method of contraception during therapy.
Based on the mechanism of action, case reports in humans, and data from animal reproduction studies, in utero exposure to topical mechlorethamine may cause fetal harm. There are case reports of major birth defects following maternal administration of systemic mechlorethamine.
It is not known if mechlorethamine is present in breast milk following topical application.
Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed infant following topical or systemic exposure from the mother's skin, the manufacturer recommends a decision be made to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of treatment to the mother.
Monitor for dermatologic toxicity (skin ulcers, blistering, dermatitis, secondary skin infections), and signs/symptoms of nonmelanoma skin cancer or hypersensitivity reactions.
Mechlorethamine is a nitrogen mustard alkylating agent which forms inter- and intra-strand DNA cross-links, resulting in inhibition of DNA synthesis. Topical application allows for skin-directed treatment while minimizing systemic nitrogen mustard exposure (Lessin 2013).
Absorption: Topical: None detected (Lessin 2013)
Distribution: Topical: No detectable systemic exposure in a clinical study (Lessin 2013)
Gel (Valchlor External)
0.016% (per gram): $104.32
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