Valrubicin solution is used to treat a type of bladder cancer (carcinoma in situ; CIS) that was not effectively treated with another medication (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin; BCG therapy) in patients that can not have surgery right away to remove all or part of the bladder. However, only about 1 out of 5 patients responds to treatment with valrubicin and delaying bladder surgery may lead to the spread of bladder cancer which may be life-threatening. Valrubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic that is only used in cancer chemotherapy. It slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body.
Valrubicin comes as a solution (liquid) to be infused (injected slowly) through a catheter (small flexible plastic tube) into your bladder while you are lying down. Valrubicin solution is given by a doctor or a health care provider in a medical office, hospital, or clinic. It is usually given once a week for 6 weeks. You should keep the medication in your bladder for 2 hours or as long as possible. At the end of 2 hours you will empty your bladder.
You may have symptoms of an irritable bladder during or shortly after treatment with valrubicin solution such as a sudden need to urinate or leaking of urine, If any valrubicin solution leaks out of the bladder and gets on your skin, the area should be cleaned with soap and water. Spills on the floor should be cleaned with undiluted bleach.
Drink plenty of fluids after receiving your treatment with valrubicin.
Your doctor will watch you carefully to see how well treatment with valrubicin works for you. If you do not respond fully to treatment after 3 months or if your cancer returns, your doctor will probably recommend treatment with surgery.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
If you miss an appointment to receive a dose of valrubicin, call your doctor right away.
frequent, urgent, or painful urination
difficulty urinating
abdominal pain
nausea
headache
weakness
tiredness
red colored urine occurring more than 24 hours after treatment
painful urination occurring more than 24 hours after treatment
blood in urine
Valrubicin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
This medication will be stored at your doctor's office or clinic.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 06/15/2011
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.