Valstar
Generic name:valrubicin [ val-ROO-bi-sin ]
Drug class:Antibiotics / antineoplastics
What is Valstar?
Valstar is used to treat bladder cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body.
Most people do not have a complete response to Valstar. You may eventually need surgery to remove your bladder to keep the cancer from becoming metastatic (spreading to other parts of your body).
Valstar may also be used for purposes not listed in this medicine guide.
Warnings
You may not have a complete response to Valstar, and your bladder may need to be surgically removed to prevent your cancer from spreading to other parts of your body.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with Valstar if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
a urinary tract infection;
bladder perforation (a hole or tear); or
an allergy to polyoxyl castor oil, or to other cancer medicines (daunorubicin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, mitoxantrone).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
overactive bladder, incontinence or leakage;
bladder surgery; or
trouble holding a large amount of urine in your bladder.
It may be harder for you to get a woman pregnant while you are using Valstar. You should still use birth control to prevent pregnancy because the medicine can harm an unborn baby.
Valstar can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.
If you are a woman, do not use Valstar if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using Valstar.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
How is Valstar given?
Valstar is injected directly into the bladder using a catheter inserted into the urethra (the tube for passing urine out of your bladder). A healthcare provider will give you this medicine, usually once per week for 6 weeks.
Valstar is usually given in a solution that amounts to about 2.5 ounces (1/3 cup). This entire amount is injected into the ...
