Mustargen (Mechlorethamine HCl) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Mustargen

Cancer »

What is cancer?

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. The abnormal cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumor cells. Many cancers and the abnormal cells that compose the cancer tissue are further identified by the name of the tissue that the abnormal cells originated from (for example, breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer). Cancer is not confined to humans; animals and other living organisms can get cancer. Below is a schematic that shows normal cell division and how when a cell is damaged or altered without repair to its system, the cell usually dies. Also shown is what can occur when such damaged or unrepaired cells do not die and become cancer cells and proliferate with uncontrolled growth; a mass of cancer cells develop. Frequently, cancer cells can break away from this original mass of cells, travel through the blood and lymph systems, and lodge in other organs where they can again repeat the ...

Read the Cancer article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Mustargen

Breast Cancer Slideshow Pictures

Pancreatic Cancer Slideshow Pictures

Skin Cancer Slideshow Pictures

font size

Mustargen Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

MECHLORETHAMINE - INJECTION

(MEH-klor-ETH-uh-meen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Mustargen

WARNING: Mechlorethamine must be handled and used very carefully. Direct contact with the skin, nose, mouth, or eyes may cause severe damage. Precautions (e.g., wearing a mask/outer garment/gloves) should be taken to prevent direct contact or breathing the dust/vapors from this medication.

Mechlorethamine is usually given by injection into a vein. If this medication accidentally leaks into the skin/muscle around the injection site, it may cause severe damage. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice hardening/peeling of the skin, redness, pain, or swelling at or near the injection site. Prompt treatment (e.g., ice compress, thiosulfate solution) may lessen damage.

USES: Meclorethamine is used to treat various types of cancer (e.g., Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

HOW TO USE: This medication is usually given by injection into a vein by a health care professional, as directed by your doctor. It may also be given by placing within certain parts of the body (e.g., chest, abdomen) or applying to the skin (for certain skin conditions). Dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment.

If this medication touches your skin, immediately remove any clothing/shoes that may have been in contact with the medication, and wash the area well with water for at least 15 minutes. Then apply a certain solution (thiosulfate) to help reduce skin damage. If this medication gets in your eye, open the eyelid and flush well with water or balanced salt solution for 15 minutes, then seek immediate medical attention.

Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so may help decrease the risk of certain side effects (e.g., increased uric acid).