When your doctor tells you that you need chemotherapy for cancer, it's normal to feel a little scared and anxious. You have a lot of questions about this treatment and the drugs used for it. Today we're going to talk about a very powerful drug called Mechlorethamine, which is used to destroy cancer cells. We'll talk about everything you need to know about this in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
What is this medicine called Mechlorethamine?
Simply put, Mechlorethamine, sometimes called Nitrogen Mustard, is an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug. Its main function is to find and destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells in the body.
This medicine is used to treat various types of cancer. For example:
- Hodgkin's disease
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Mycosis fungoides, a skin cancer condition
- Some blood cancers and lung cancers
Your doctor may also prescribe this medicine for other conditions not on this list. If you have any questions about it, ask your doctor.
Things to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Mechlorethamine is a very strong drug, so it is very important to give your doctor a complete history of your health before starting treatment. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Blood-related diseases: If you have any blood-related conditions (e.g., blood clotting problems, anemia).
- Gout: If you have gout.
- Infections: It is very important to tell your doctor if you currently have any infections, especially viral infections like chickenpox or herpes.
- Radiation therapy: If you have recently undergone radiation therapy or are currently undergoing it.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to this Mechlorethamine medicine, other chemo drugs, any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or have even the slightest suspicion that you are pregnant, it is essential to tell your doctor.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: Be sure to mention this if you are breastfeeding a child.
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take home. Mechlorethamine is only given in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or nursing staff who has received special training in this .
This is most often given as an injection into a vein. In some cases, it can also be given into a body cavity.
For children: If you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to your pediatrician about it. Children may need special care when giving this medicine.
If you overdose: This is unlikely to happen as it is given in hospital. However, if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately report it to the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
This medicine is for you only. Do not share this medicine with anyone else for any reason.
What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?
It is very important to take the medicine on the scheduled date and time for this treatment. If you are unable to come to the hospital on the scheduled date, call your doctor or the hospital immediately and let them know.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Some medications you are taking may interact with Mechlorethamine. Therefore, you should inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. This includes over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and Ayurvedic medicines.
| Drug type | Things to consider |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should never be taken | Nalidixic acid |
| Other drugs that may interact |
|
| Medicines you should definitely ask your doctor before taking |
|
Important: This list is not complete. Tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other illegal substances.
Things to consider during treatment
Your doctor will monitor your condition throughout your treatment. Since chemotherapy also affects healthy cells, it is normal for you to feel uncomfortable and sick. Continue treatment even if it is difficult for you until your doctor tells you to stop . Tell your doctor if you have any side effects.
Protect yourself from infections! This medicine reduces your body's ability to fight diseases. Therefore, try to stay away from people who have symptoms like fever, cold, cough, and sore throat. If you get symptoms like fever, chills, and sore throat, do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately.
Watch out for bleeding: This medicine may increase your risk of bleeding or bruising. Tell your doctor if you notice any unusual bleeding (e.g. bleeding gums when brushing your teeth, nosebleeds).
Pregnancy and fertility:
- For women: Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you are planning to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine.
- For men: This medication may lower sperm count. If you are planning to have children, talk to your doctor about this before starting treatment.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, Mechlorethamine can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Symptoms of low blood cell count | Symptoms of infection: fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain when urinating. Signs of bleeding: blue skin, small red spots on the skin, black or bloody stools, blood in the urine. Symptoms of low red blood cells: extreme fatigue, weakness, fainting, dizziness. |
| Other serious symptoms | Difficulty breathing, hearing changes, pain at the injection site, swelling, redness, vomiting, yellowing of the eyes or skin. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Common side effects | Diarrhea, hair loss, loss of appetite, metallic taste in the mouth, cessation of menstruation, nausea. |
If you experience any other side effects not mentioned in this list, tell your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Mechlorethamine is a powerful chemotherapy drug that kills cancer cells. It is only given in a hospital by specially trained medical staff.
- It is essential to tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and all medications you are taking before starting treatment.
- During treatment, be very careful about signs of infection (fever, cough) and signs of bleeding (blue skin). If you notice any of these symptoms, inform your doctor immediately.
- Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine. Also, do not breastfeed.
- It is your right to talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
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