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Overview: Zusduri is used to treat certain types of bladder cancer. It works to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells. The most common side effects are painful urination (peeing), urinary tract infection, and blood in your urine. Zusduri is placed into the bladder through a tube by a health care provider. For at least 24 hours after each treatment, it is important to sit down to pee, flush the toilet several times after each use, and wash your hands and genital area with soap and water after each time peeing.

Uses

What is Zusduri used for?

Zusduri (mitomycin) is commonly used to treat a certain type of bladder cancer.

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

See also: Mitomycin (Mutamycin, Mitomycin C) and Jelmyto (mitomycin pyelocalyceal)

How does Zusduri work (mechanism of action)?

Zusduri is a medicine that is placed into your bladder through a tube to treat bladder cancer (intravesical chemotherapy). It works by blocking cancer cells from copying genetic material and making proteins. This slows the growth of cancer and can help lower the chance of your cancer spreading. 

How is Zusduri supplied (dosage forms)?

Zusduri is available in a form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Zusduri?

Zusduri is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Zusduri?

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

There may be other side effects of Zusduri 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 Zusduri?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Zusduri may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. 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 or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Zusduri?

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

  • Mitomycin
  • Zusduri
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

Hole or Tear in Your Bladder. Zusduri should not be used in people who have a hole or tear (perforation) in the bladder or damage to the bladder lining. These problems can lead to serious side effects because more of the medicine may enter your bloodstream.

What should I know about Zusduri before using it?

Zusduri is placed into the bladder through a tube (urinary catheter) by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. The usual treatment schedule is one dose weekly for six weeks. 

After each treatment, you will urinate (go pee) to remove the medicine from your bladder.  Avoid getting your urine (pee) on your skin for at least 24 hours after each treatment. Sit on the toilet to pee and flush the toilet several times. Be sure to wash your hands and private area with soap and water after each time you pee. 

Zusduri is a gel that dissolves in your urine. It is normal to see the gel in your pee for 24 hours after each treatment. Zusduri may turn your pee blue or purple in color. Wash any soiled clothing right away and separately from other laundry. 

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

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 Zusduri is right for you.

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

Kidney Problems. Zusduri may not be safe for people with severe kidney problems. Tell your health care provider if you have had any kidney problems. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your health care provider may do tests to see if they are working well enough to use this medicine.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Zusduri may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before starting Zusduri, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Zusduri may cause harm to an unborn baby. Your health care provider may give you a test to make sure you are not pregnant before you start Zusduri treatment. If you can get pregnant, you should use effective birth control while using Zusduri and for six months after your last dose. If your partner could get pregnant, you should use effective birth control (such as condoms) during treatment and for three months after your last dose of Zusduri. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Zusduri passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed during Zusduri treatment and for one week after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Zusduri?

For more information about Zusduri, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.zusduri.com or call them at 855-987-6436.

Interactions

Does Zusduri interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Zusduri, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer. 

Does Zusduri interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Zusduri may interact with certain 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 Zusduri?

If you or someone else has used too much Zusduri, 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 Zusduri?

Zusduri is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Zusduri as scheduled.

If you miss an appointment to get your Zusduri dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.