Valstar

 
Generic Name: valrubicin

Brands: Valstar

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

· Valstar 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 Valstar 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 Valstar.

 

What is Valstar?

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

· Valstar is used to treat bladder cancer.

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

 

Who should not use Valstar?

· Do not use Valstar 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 Valstar may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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

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

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

 

How should I use Valstar?

· Valstar 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 Valstar depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Valstar 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 Valstar to monitor progress and side effects.

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

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

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Valstar.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· If for any reason an overdose of Valstar is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

· Symptoms of a Valstar overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

 

What should I avoid while using Valstar?

· Valstar can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with Valstar. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.

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

 

What are the possible side effects of Valstar?

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

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking Valstar 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.

· Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment with Valstar.

 

What other drugs will affect Valstar?

· Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with Valstar. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with Valstar.

· Other drugs may interact with Valstar. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with Valstar.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your healthcare provider may have additional information about Valstar that you may read.