Mechlorethamine (Systemic)

Generic name: Mechlorethamine (systemic) [ me-klor-ETH-a-meen ]
Brand name: Mustargen
Drug class: Alkylating agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 22, 2024.

Uses of Mechlorethamine:

• It is used to treat cancer.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Mechlorethamine?

• If you have an allergy to mechlorethamine or any other part of mechlorethamine (systemic).
• If you are allergic to mechlorethamine (systemic); any part of mechlorethamine (systemic); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have an infection.
• If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with mechlorethamine (systemic).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take mechlorethamine (systemic) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Mechlorethamine?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take mechlorethamine (systemic). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Talk with your doctor before getting any vaccines. Use of some vaccines with mechlorethamine (systemic) may either raise the chance of an infection or make the vaccine not work as well.
• You may have more chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.
• You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• If you have upset stomach, throwing up, diarrhea, or are not hungry, talk with your doctor. There may be ways to lower these side effects.
• Other types of cancer may rarely happen later in life.
• This medicine may affect sperm in men. This may affect being able to father a child. Talk with the doctor.
• Periods may stop in females treated with mechlorethamine (systemic). This may not go back to normal. Females treated with mechlorethamine (systemic) may go through menopause at a younger age than normal. Talk with your child's doctor.
• This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant.
• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking mechlorethamine (systemic).
• If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking mechlorethamine (systemic), call your doctor right away.

How is this medicine (Mechlorethamine) best taken?

Use mechlorethamine (systemic) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into a vein.
• This medicine may be given right into an open space within the chest or belly.
• Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, methotrexate, dexamethasone, Decadron, fluorouracil, carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, Deltasone, doxorubicin, vincristine

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

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.

What are some 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.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Mechlorethamine?

• If you need to store mechlorethamine (systemic) at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about mechlorethamine (systemic), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer