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.

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 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. 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.

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.

Usual Adult Dose for Mycosis Fungoides:

Apply a thin film once daily to affected areas of the skin.

Use: For the topical treatment of Stage IA and IB mycosis fungoides-type cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in patients who have received prior skin-directed therapy

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 mechlorethamine topical 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.

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.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Keep this medication in the original box, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store mechlorethamine gel in the refrigerator away from any food. Dispose of any mechlorethamine gel that is not used after 60 days.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

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.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Mechlorethamine topical may cause serious side effects. 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 of mechlorethamine topical 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.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to mechlorethamine gel.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.