Valstar (Valrubicin) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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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...

Read the Bladder Cancer article »

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Valstar Patient Information including How Should I Take

Who should not use valrubicin (Valstar)?

Do not use valrubicin without first talking to your doctor if you have

a urinary tract infection;
a perforated or otherwise damaged bladder;
kidney disease; or
irritable bladder disorder.

The use of valrubicin may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Valrubicin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. Systemic exposure to valrubicin may result in harm to an unborn baby. Do not use valrubicin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Men and women being treated with valrubicin should discuss with their doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with valrubicin if necessary.

Because of the potential for serious side effects in a nursing infant, breast-feeding should be avoided during treatment with valrubicin.

The safety and effectiveness of valrubicin in children has not been established.

How should I use valrubicin (Valstar)?

Valrubicin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with valrubicin depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Valrubicin has caused a complete response in only about 1 in 5 patients and delaying surgery could lead to wide-spread bladder cancer, which is lethal. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with valrubicin to monitor progress and side effects.

Skin accidentally exposed to valrubicin should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Your healthcare provider will store valrubicin as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing valrubicin at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

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