Class: Chemotherapy
Generic Name: Valrubicin (VAL-roo-bi-sin)
Trade Name: Valstar®
How is this drug used? Valrubicin is FDA approved for the treatment of patients with superficial bladder cancer that has stopped responding to BCG therapy, and in whom an immediate cystectomy (removal of the bladder) would cause unacceptable side effects. It is important for patients to remember that physicians have the ability to prescribe medication for conditions other than those for which the drug has been approved by the FDA. Patients who have received a prescription of this drug for a condition other than which it is approved may wish to discuss this issue with their physician.
What is the mechanism of action? Valrubicin belongs to a class of drugs called anthracycline antitumor antibiotics. An anti-tumor antibiotic produces its anti-cancer effects by binding to DNA and inhibiting the production of proteins necessary for sustaining life of a cell.
How is valrubicin given (administered)? Valrubicin is administered directly into the bladder and the dose depends on several factors, including the condition being treated, the size of the patient, the particular regimen being used and the overall health of the patient. The valrubicin is retained in the bladder for 2 hours then voided.
How are patients monitored? Patients will usually have scheduled meetings with their healthcare provider while they are being treated with valrubicin. Patients may also undergo physical examinations, scans or other measures to assess side effects and response to therapy. Patients will also be monitored for urinary tract infections and will receive follow-up cystoscopies.
What are the common (occur in 30% or more of patients) side effects of treatment with valrubicin?
• Frequent urination
• Urge to urinate
• Bladder spasms
• Low urine volume
• Painful urination
What are the less common (occur in 10% to 29% of patients) side effects of treatment with valrubicin?
• Blood in the urine
• Bladder pain
• Incontinence
• Urinary tract infection
• Inflammation of the bladder
This is not a complete list of side effects. Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed here. Patients may wish to discuss with their physician the other less common side effects of this drug, some of which may be serious.
Some side effects may require medical attention. Other side effects do not require medical attention and may go away during treatment. Patients should check with their physician about any side effects that continue or are bothersome.
What can patients do to help alleviate or prevent discomfort and side effects?
• Pay careful attention to the physician’s instructions and inform the physician of any side effects.
• Maintain adequate rest and nutrition.
• Wear sunscreen and protective clothing and try to minimize sun exposure.
• Drink plenty of fluids. (Patients should ask their physician about the amount of liquid to consume during a day.)
Are there any special precautions patients should be aware of before starting treatment?
• Patients should inform their physician if they are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a family in the near future. This drug may cause birth defects. It is important to use some kind of birth control while undergoing treatment. Also, patients may want to talk to their physician if they are considering having children in the future, since some drugs may cause fertility problems.
• It is important that patients inform their physician of any pre-existing conditions (chicken pox, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, etc.) as they may worsen with this drug.
• Patients should inform their physician of any other medication they are taking (whether prescription or over-the-counter, including vitamins, herbs, etc.) as they may interfere with treatment.
• Patients should check with their physician before starting any new drug or nutritional supplement.
• Patients should inform their physician of any known drug or food allergies or any reactions to medications they have experienced in the past.
When should patients notify their physician?
• Prolonged and severe blood in the urine (report red color that occurs more than 24 hours after treatment)
• Inability to urinate
• Pain or difficulty with urination
• Severe abdominal pain
• Severe back pain
• Fever
• Severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Persistent or severe fatigue
• Swelling of the feet or ankles
• Cloudy urine
• Chest pain
• Rash
What is a package insert?
A package insert is required by the FDA and contains a summary of the essential scientific information needed for the safe and effective use of the drug for healthcare providers and consumers. A package insert typically includes information regarding specific indications, administration schedules, dosing, side effects, contraindications, results from some clinical trials, chemical structure, pharmacokinetics and metabolism of the specific drug. By carefully reviewing the package insert, you will get the most complete and current information about how to safely use this drug. If you do not have the package insert for the drug you are using, your pharmacist or physician may be able to provide you with a copy.
Copyright © 2010 CancerConnect Last updated 07/10.
Important Limitations of Use
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