Valstar (Valrubicin) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 10, 2012

Valstar

Bladder Cancer »

What is the bladder?

The urinary bladder, or the bladder, is a hollow organ present in the pelvis. Most of it lies behind the pubic bone of the pelvis but when full it can extend up into the lower part of the abdomen. Its primary function is to store urine that drains into it from the kidney through tube-like structures called the ureters. The ureters from both the kidneys open into the urinary bladder. The bladder forms a low-pressure reservoir which gradually stretches out as urine fills into it. In males, the prostate gland is located adjacent to the base of the bladder where urethra joins the bladder. From time to time, the muscular wall of the bladder contracts to expel urine through the urinary passage (urethra) into the outside world.

What are the layers of the bladder?

The bladder consists of three layers of tissue. The innermost layer of the bladder which comes into contact with the urine stored inside the bl...

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Valstar

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VALSTAR®
(valrubicin)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Valrubicin (N-trifluoroacetyladriamycin-14-valerate), a semisynthetic analog of the anthra-cycline doxorubicin, is a cytotoxic agent with the chemical name, (2S-cis)-2-[1,2,3,4, 6,11-hexahydro-2,5,12-trihydroxy-7-methoxy-6,11-dioxo-4-[[2,3,6-trideoxy-3-[(trifluoroacetyl)amino]-α-L-lyxo-hexopyranosyl]oxyl]-2-naphthacenyl]-2-oxoethyl pentanoate. Valrubicin is an orange or orange-red powder that is highly lipophilic, soluble in methylene chloride, ethanol, methanol and acetone, and relatively insoluble in water. Its chemical formula is C₃₄H₃₆F₃NO₁₃ and its molecular weight is 723.65. The chemical structure is shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 1. Chemical Structure of Valrubicin

VALSTAR® (Valrubicin) Structural Formula Illustration

VALSTAR® (valrubicin) Sterile Solution for Intravesical Instillation is intended for intra-vesical administration in the urinary bladder. It is supplied as a nonaqueous solution that should be diluted before intravesical administration. Each vial of VALSTAR contains valrubicin at a concentration of 40 mg/mL in 50% polyoxyl castor oil/50% dehydrated alcohol, USP without preservatives or other additives. The solution is sterile and nonpyro-genic.

What are the possible side effects of valrubicin (Valstar)?

If you experience an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to valrubicin, seek emergency medical attention.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking valrubicin and talk to your doctor if you experience:

bladder irritation (increased frequency of urination, painful urination, a very strong feeling of needing to urinate, blood in the urine);
urinary incontinence;
urinary tract...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Valstar »

What are the precautions when taking valrubicin (Valstar)?

Before using valrubicin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other anthracyclines (e.g., doxorubicin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as polyoxyethylated castor oil), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: small bladder size or other bladder problems (e.g., perforation, incontinence), current urinary infection/symptoms of bladder irritation (including pain, spasm, frequent urge to urinate).

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 11/24/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.