Valstar Dosage

2.1 Recommended Dosing

For Intravesical Use Only. Do NOT administer by intravenous or intramuscular routes.

VALSTAR is recommended at a dose of 800 mg administered intravesically once a week for six weeks. Delay administration at least two weeks after transurethral resection and/or fulguration [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2, 5.3)].

2.2 Preparation, Handling, and Administration

Handle and dispose of VALSTAR in a manner consistent with other cytotoxic drugs. 1The use of goggles, gloves, and protective gowns is recommended during preparation and administration of the drug.

VALSTAR contains polyoxyl castor oil, which has been known to cause leaching of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) a hepatotoxic plasticizer, from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags and intravenous tubing. VALSTAR should be prepared and stored in glass, polypropylene, or polyolefin containers and tubing. It is recommended that non-DEHP containing administration sets, such as those that are polyethylene-lined, be used.

VALSTAR is a sterile, clear red solution. Visually inspect for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. At temperatures below 4°C (39°F), polyoxyl castor oil may begin to form a waxy precipitate. If this happens, the vial should be warmed in the hand until the solution is clear. If particulate matter is still seen, do not administer VALSTAR.

For each instillation, slowly allow four 5 mL vials (200 mg valrubicin/5 mL vial) to warm to room temperature, but do not heat. Withdraw 20 mL of VALSTAR from the four vials and dilute with 55 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP to provide 75 mL of a diluted VALSTAR solution. VALSTAR diluted in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP for administration is stable for 12 hours at temperatures up to 25°C (77°F). Since compatibility data are not available, do not mix VALSTAR with other drugs.

Insert a urethral catheter into the patient's bladder under aseptic conditions, drain the bladder, and instill the diluted 75 mL VALSTAR solution slowly via gravity flow over a period of several minutes. Withdraw the catheter and retain VALSTAR in the bladder for two hours before voiding. At the end of two hours, all patients should void. Some patients may be unable to retain the drug for the full two hours. Instruct patients to maintain adequate hydration following VALSTAR treatment [see Patient Counseling Information ( 17)] .