Complete adverse effect profile including incidence rates and management
Important Safety Information
This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any unexpected symptoms. For serious or life-threatening side effects, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the prescribing information: Mucosal or eye injury [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] Secondary exposure to VALCHLOR [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] Dermatitis [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] Non-melanoma skin cancer [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) are dermatitis, pruritus, bacterial skin infection, skin ulceration or blistering, and hyperpigmentation ( 6.1 ).
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Helsinn Therapeutics (U.S.), Inc., at 1-855-482-5245 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.
In a randomized, observer-blinded, controlled trial, VALCHLOR 0.016% (equivalent to 0.02% mechlorethamine HCl) was compared to an Aquaphor ® -based mechlorethamine HCl 0.02% ointment (Comparator) [ see Clinical Studies ( 14 ) ].
The maximum duration of treatment was 12 months.
Sixty-three percent (63%) of patients in the VALCHLOR arm and 67% in the comparator arm completed 12 months of treatment.
The body system associated with the most frequent adverse reactions was skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.
The most common adverse reactions (occurring in at least 5% of the patients) are shown in Table 1 .
Most Commonly Reported (≥5%) Cutaneous Adverse Reactions VALCHLOR N=128 % of patients Comparator N=127 % of patients Any Grade Moderately-Severe or Severe Any Grade Moderately-Severe or Severe Dermatitis 56 23 58 17 Pruritus 20 4 16 2 Bacterial skin infection 11 2 9 2 Skin ulceration or blistering 6 3 5 2 Skin hyperpigmentation 5 0 7 0 In the clinical trial, moderately-severe to severe skin-related adverse events were managed with treatment reduction, suspension, or discontinuation.
Discontinuations due to adverse reactions occurred in 22% of patients treated with VALCHLOR and 18% of patients treated with the comparator.
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Mucosal or eye injury: VALCHLOR exposure to mucous membranes, especially of the eyes, can cause mucosal injury which may be severe.
Eye injury may lead to blindness.
Immediately irrigate for at least 15 minutes followed by immediate medical consultation ( 5.1 ).
Secondary exposure to VALCHLOR: individuals other than the patient must avoid skin contact with VALCHLOR ( 2.2 , 5.2 ).
Dermatitis: Monitor patients for redness, swelling, inflammation, itchiness, blisters, ulceration, and secondary skin infections.
Like all medications, Valchlor can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes this medication will experience them. Many side effects are dose-dependent and may improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Others may require dose adjustment or medical attention.
Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you experience:
Seek immediate emergency medical care if you experience signs of: