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Mechlorethamine ( meh-clor-ETH-uh-meen ) (Nitrogen Mustard, Mustine, Mustargen®) What is this medication used for? This medicine is used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, effusions from metastatic carcinomas and cutaneous t-cell lymphoma
What does it look like? • Liquid • Lotion How is it given? • Into the vein (IV) • Applied to the skin (topical) • Intracavitary What are the common side effects? • Nausea and vomiting • Burning sensation along the vein in which the medicine is given (extravasation) • • Decrease in ability to become pregnant or to father a child (Infertility) • Low red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet counts (pancytopenia) 1–2 weeks after treatment • Redness or dryness when medication is put on skin as a lotion
What are the less common side effects? • Skin rash • Hair loss (alopecia) • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing loss What are the serious side effects? • A different cancer, such as leukemia, may occur later (secondary malignancy) • Damage to unborn child (birth defects) Special instructions: • This medicine can cause irritation if it leaks out of the vein. Tell the person giving the medicine if there is any burning or pain while it is being given. If the skin becomes red and swollen, call your healthcare provider. If there is a blister or scab, do not pop it or pick at it. • Do not become pregnant, father a child, or breastfeed while taking this medication. It may be important to use
birth control while taking this medicine. • In utero exposure may cause fetal harm.
Notes from Your Healthcare Team
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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