Valrubicin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 13, 2024.

Applies to valrubicin: intravesical solution.

Common side effects of valrubicin

Some side effects of valrubicin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• blood in urine
• loss of bladder control
• painful or difficult urination
• red color in urine
• strong urge to urinate
• unusually frequent urination

Less common side effects

• increased urination at night
• local burning sensation

Rare side effects

• frequent urge to defecate
• itching
• loss of sense of taste

Serious side effects of valrubicin

Along with its needed effects, valrubicin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to valrubicin: intravesical solution.

General adverse events

The most common side effects were local bladder symptoms, including urinary frequency, urinary urgency, and dysuria.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Urinary frequency (61%), urinary urgency (57%), dysuria (56%), bladder spasm (31%), hematuria (29%), bladder pain (28%), urinary incontinence (22%), urinary tract infection (15%), cystitis (15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Nocturia, urinary retention, microscopic hematuria, urethral pain, pelvic pain, gross hematuria
• Frequency not reported: Poor urine flow, urethritis^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Any local bladder symptom (88%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Procedure related local burning symptoms^[Ref]

Local adverse reactions associated with valrubicin usually occurred during or shortly after instillate and resolve within one to seven days after the instillation is removed from the bladder.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence
• Frequency not reported: Tenesmus^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness
• Frequency not reported: Taste loss^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash
• Frequency not reported: Pruritus, local skin irritation^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Vasodilation^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Anemia^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperglycemia, peripheral edema
• Frequency not reported: Nonprotein nitrogen increased^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, myalgia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Pneumonia^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, malaise, chest pain, fever

Further information

Valrubicin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer