Mechlorethamine

Mechlorethamine is a potent chemotherapy drug that is used to treat Hodgkin’s disease, lymphoma, leukemia and other advanced cancers. This drug is injected directly into the veins to slow down the growth of cancer cells and eventually stop new cancer cells from growing.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication is highly toxic to body tissues. It should be injected directly into the veins by a doctor who is familiar with chemotherapy and with the use of this drug. Special care needs to be taken to avoid getting the drug in the patient’s eyes while preparing it.

Even if injected properly, the medication may leak into surrounding body tissue. This causes a rash or sore around the injection site. If pain is severe from body tissue leakage, patients should see their doctors for treatment of the problem.

This medication is hazardous to fetal health and should not be taken by pregnant patients.