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Overview: Valchlor is used to treat certain types of lymphoma that affect the skin. Common side effects include skin reactions, such as red, swollen, or itchy skin, skin blisters or ulcers, skin infection, and darkened areas of skin. Avoid exposing your eyes, mouth, or nose to this medicine. Wash your hands well with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

Uses

What is Valchlor used for?

Valchlor (mechlorethamine) is commonly used to treat stage IA and IB mycosis fungoides-type cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. This rare condition, also known as Alibert-Bazin syndrome, is a type of immune system cancer.

Valchlor may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Valchlor work (mechanism of action)?

Valchlor works by slowing down the growth of fast-growing cancer cells.

How is Valchlor supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Valchlor

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.016% topical gel

How should I store Valchlor?

Valchlor should be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Keep Valchlor in the original box and away from food products in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medicine after 90 days.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Valchlor?

The most common side effects of Valchlor are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Red, swollen, or itchy skin
  • Skin ulcers or blisters
  • Skin infection
  • Darkened areas of skin

There may be other side effects of Valchlor that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Valchlor?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Valchlor are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Valchlor may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Valchlor and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Eye, Mouth, or Nose Damage. If you get Valchlor in your mouth, nose, or eyes, this can cause severe damage. Blindness can happen from eye exposure. If Valchlor comes into contact with any of these areas, rinse the area right away with a large amount of water for at least 15 minutes. Saline or an eye wash solution can be used instead of water to rinse your eyes. Get medical help right away If you get Valchlor in your eyes, mouth, or nose. 

Severe Skin Problems. Although skin problems are common after using Valchlor, it can sometimes be severe. The risk of severe skin problems is higher if you use this medicine on your face, genitals, anus, or skin folds. Call your health care provider if you have red, swollen, or itchy skin, or if you get blisters, ulcers, or a skin infection. 

Skin Cancer. You may get certain types of skin cancer, even on areas of your skin where you did not use Valchlor. Keep all appointments to have your skin checked. Call your health care provider if you have any skin changes or concerns.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Valchlor?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Valchlor.

  • Mechlorethamine
  • Valchlor
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Valchlor.

What should I know about Valchlor before using it?

Do not use Valchlor unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. 

Read and follow the instructions for use before using this medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly use Valchlor. Anyone who comes into contact with Valchlor can have side effects from this medicine. If you have questions or concerns, talk to your health care provider.

Do not share Valchlor with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Valchlor out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Once you take Valchlor out of the refrigerator, use it right away (within 30 minutes). Wash your hands right after using it. Then put the medicine back in the box and back in the refrigerator. If your medicine has been at room temperature for more than one hour, call your pharmacist before using it. 

Before applying Valchlor, make sure the skin is completely dry. Use this medicine at least four hours before or 30 minutes after you shower or bathe. After applying it, let the treated areas dry for five to 10 minutes before you cover with clothes. Do not place bandages over the treated area. If you use moisturizer on the treated area, apply it two hours before or two hours after you use Valchlor. Ask your pharmacist or health care provider if you have any questions. 

Valchlor is flammable. Avoid fire, flames, and smoking until the gel has dried completely.

If you can get your partner pregnant, use a barrier form of birth control (such as a condom) while you are using Valchlor. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider. 

Valchlor may make it hard for you to get pregnant or get your partner pregnant. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Valchlor?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Valchlor is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. Valchlor may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You should use an effective barrier birth control method (such as a condom) while using Valchlor. If you become pregnant while using Valchlor, call your health care provider right away. 

Breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while using Valchlor. It is not known if Valchlor passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Valchlor?

For more information about Valchlor, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.valchlor.com or call them at 855-482-5245.

Interactions

Does Valchlor interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Valchlor and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Valchlor.

Does Valchlor interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Valchlor and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Valchlor?

If you or someone else has used too much Valchlor, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Valchlor?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.