Valstar - Valrubicin bladder irrigation solution
What is this medication?
VALRUBICIN (val ROO bi sin) treats bladder cancer. It works by slowing down the growth of cancer cells.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Valstar
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- prostate surgery
- recently received or scheduled to receive a vaccine
- urinary tract infection or bladder problems
- an unusual reaction to valrubicin, other medicines or chemotherapy drugs, polyoxyethylated castor oil, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
This drug is given as a catheter infusion into the bladder. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. You will be given directions to follow before the treatment. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Try to hold this medicine in your bladder for 2 hours after treatment.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
What may interact with this medication?
Interactions are not expected.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Women should not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 6 months after the last dose. Men should use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Men should inform their doctors if they wish to father a child. This medicine may lower sperm counts. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 2 weeks after the last dose.
Call your doctor or health care professional if you get a cold or other infection while receiving this medicine. Do not treat yourself. This medicine may decrease your body's ability to fight infection.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Flu-like symptoms—fever, chills, muscle pain, cough, headache, fatigue
- Red or dark brown urine
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)—burning when passing urine, passing frequent small amounts of urine, bloody or cloudy urine, pain in the lower back or sides
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Bladder irritation
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)—burning when passing urine, passing frequent small amounts of urine, bloody or cloudy urine, pain in the lower back or sides
- Change in the amount of urine
- Increased need to urinate
- Pain or trouble when passing urine
- Red urine
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
This drug is only given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Additional Information From Chemocare.com About Valstar
Self-Care Tips:
- Drink at least two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise.
- If you should experience nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small frequent meals. Sucking on lozenges and chewing gum may also help.
- Avoid sun exposure. Wear SPF 15 (or higher) sun block and protective clothing.
- In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely. You should discuss this with your doctor.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Maintain good nutrition.
- Valrubicin can cause visual changes, dizziness and tiredness. If you have any of these symptoms, use caution when driving a car, using machinery, or anything that requires you to be alert.
- If you experience symptoms or side effects, be sure to discuss them with your health care team. They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.
When to contact your doctor or health care provider:
Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever of 100.4° F (38° C or higher, chills)
- Signs of a reaction to this drug (wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; seizures; or swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat)
- Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms
The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not an emergency. Contact your health care provider within 24 hours of noticing any of the following:
- Diarrhea (4-6 episodes in a 24-hour period).
- Nausea (interferes with ability to eat and unrelieved with prescribed medication).
- Vomiting (vomiting more than 4-5 times in a 24 hour period).
- Unable to eat or drink for 24 hours or have signs of dehydration: tiredness, thirst, dry mouth, dark and decrease amount of urine, or dizziness.
- Pain with passing urine or blood in the urine.
- Not able to pass urine.
· Red-tinged urine after 24 hours of receiving medication.
Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
