When mechlorethamine is administered into a vein, it may leak into and irritate surrounding tissue. Your doctor or nurse will monitor your administration site for this reaction.
Your doctor has ordered the drug mechlorethamine to help treat your illness. The drug is given by injection into a vein.
Hodgkin's disease
lymphosarcoma
chronic myelocytic or chronic lymphocytic leukemia
polycythemia vera
mycosis fungoides
bronchogenic carcinoma
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Mechlorethamine is in a class of drugs known as alkylating agents; it slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.
Mechlorethamine is also used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, malignant melanoma, breast cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and carcinoma of the GI tract. Mechlorethamine has been applied to the skin to treat mycosis fungoides and psoriasis. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
loss of appetite or weight
weakness
fatigue
diarrhea
pain and redness at the injection site
unusual bruising or bleeding
black, tarry stools
red urine
cough
sore throat
fever
chills
dizziness, lightheadedness, or drowsiness
numbness or tingling in the fingertips or toes
nausea and vomiting
shortness of breath or wheezing
rash
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Drink plenty of fluids and urinate frequently during your treatment.
The most common side effect of mechlorethamine is a decrease in the number of blood cells. Your doctor may order tests before, during, and after your treatment to see if your blood cells are affected by the drug.
Last Reviewed - 04/01/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.