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PATIENT MEDICATION

Mechlorethamine

 

What is mechlorethamine?

Mechlorethamine (also known as nitrogen mustard or Mustargen®) is an anticancer medicine. Mechlorethamine is a yellow liquid given by vein (IV).

Mechlorethamine can pose a health hazard to caregivers. All caregivers should take safety precautions while giving this drug. For 48 hours after this drug is given, the patient’s body fluids can contain the drug. During that 48-hour period, caregivers should follow safety guidelines when handling the patient’s vomit, blood, urine, and bowel movements, including diapers. These guidelines include wearing gloves when cleaning up body fluids. For a complete list of safety precautions, see “Do you know… Protecting caregivers from drug hazards.”

Possible side effects of mechlorethamine

Early

  • Irritated tissue and skin damage at the IV site
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Later (usually more than a day after treatment starts)

  • Low blood counts, usually after 7 to 21 days
  • Dry, irritated skin
  • Sterility (cannot have children)

These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

In case of a severe side effect or reaction, call the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist at 595-3300. If you are outside the Memphis area, dial toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833), and press 0 once the call is connected.

Special instructions for mechlorethamine

  • Mechlorethamine can cause nausea and vomiting. The doctor may prescribe medicine to keep you from feeling sick and throwing up after you receive mechlorethamine.
  • Tell the nurse right away if you have pain or redness at the IV site.
  • Tell the nurse right away if any medicine gets on your skin or clothing.
  • Drink plenty of liquids while you are receiving mechlorethamine.
  • It may be easier for you to get infections while you are receiving mechlorethamine. Stay away from crowds and people with colds, flu, or other infections.

 

This document is not intended to take the place of the care and attention of your personal physician or other professional medical services. Our aim is to promote active participation in your care and treatment by providing information and education. Questions about individual health concerns or specific treatment options should be discussed with your physician.

St. Jude complies with health care-related federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

ATTENTION: If you speak another language, assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-866-278-5833 (TTY: 1-901-595-1040).

ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-866-278-5833 (TTY: 1-901-595-1040).

تنبيه: إذا كنت تتحدث باللغة العربية فيمكنك الاستعانة بخدمات المساعدة اللغوية المتوفرة لك مجانا. .يرجى الاتصال بالرقم. 5833-278-866-1  (الهاتف النصي: 1040-595-901-1).

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