Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Mechlorethamine Topical?
Mechlorethamine topical (for the skin) is used to treat Stage 1A or 1B mycosis fungoides-type cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Mechlorethamine topical is usually given after other skin treatments have been tried without success.
Mechlorethamine topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to mechlorethamine.
Mechlorethamine topical 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 mechlorethamine topical.
Do not use mechlorethamine topical 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.
It is not known whether mechlorethamine topical 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 Mechlorethamine Topical
Use Mechlorethamine Topical (Topical) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Mechlorethamine topical 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 mechlorethamine topical.
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 mechlorethamine topical.
Wash your hands after applying or handling this medicine. If you are a caregiver, wear disposable gloves to apply the medicine to the patient and wash your hands after removing the gloves and throwing them away.
Mechlorethamine topical gel is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.
Throw away any unused mechlorethamine topical gel after 90 days. Throw away unused gel, empty tubes, and used disposable gloves in a trash container out of the reach of children and pets.
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Mechlorethamine Topical side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a new skin lesion;
- severe skin irritation, itching, or blistering; or
- redness or swelling, warmth, pus, oozing, or other signs of skin infection.
Common side effects may include:
- mild skin itching or other irritation; or
- changes in the color of treated skin.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Mechlorethamine Topical?
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. Mechlorethamine topical 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 call your doctor.
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 call your doctor. Mechlorethamine topical 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.