Mechlorethamine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 15, 2023.

Applies to mechlorethamine: injection solution reconstituted.

Serious side effects of Mechlorethamine

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
• Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a cause or that get bigger; or bleeding you cannot stop.
• Feeling very tired or weak.

Other side effects of Mechlorethamine

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Diarrhea.
• Not hungry.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Feeling tired or weak.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to mechlorethamine: injectable powder for injection.

General

The most commonly reported side effect was hematopoietic system depression.^[Ref]

Hematologic

Rare (less than 0.1%): Hemolytic anemia

Frequency not reported: Lymphocytopenia, granulocytopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, hyperheparenemia, hematopoietic system depression^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gum bleeding, gastrointestinal tract bleeding^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Alopecia, maculopapular skin eruption, erythema multiforme, petechiae, small subcutaneous hemorrhages^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Frequency not reported: Thrombosis, thrombophlebitis^[Ref]

Other

Frequency not reported: Vertigo, tinnitus, diminished hearing, chromosomal abnormalities, weakness, pain^[Ref]

Hepatic

Frequency not reported: Jaundice^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Catamenia, oligomenorrhea, temporary or permanent amenorrhea, spermatogenesis, azoospermia, total germinal aplasia^[Ref]

Immunologic

Frequency not reported: Herpes zoster^[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Anorexia, hyperuricemia^[Ref]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer