Valstar (Valrubicin) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images 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...

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Valstar Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Valstar

Generic Name: valrubicin (Pronunciation: val ROO bi sin)

What is valrubicin (Valstar)?

Valrubicin is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Valrubicin interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Valrubicin is used to treat bladder cancer.

Valrubicin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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 infection;
red colored urine for 24 hours following a dose; or
nausea.

Talk to your doctor immediately if you have prolonged (longer than 24 hours after a dose) red-colored urine or prolonged bladder irritation.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about valrubicin (Valstar)?

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

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of valrubicin including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); severe heart damage with prolonged use; decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection); severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with valrubicin.

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