(val ROO bi sin)
Bladder cancer: Intravesical treatment of BCG-refractory bladder carcinoma in situ of the urinary bladder when cystectomy would be associated with unacceptable morbidity or mortality.
Known hypersensitivity to anthracyclines, polyoxyl castor oil, or any component of the formulation; perforated bladder; concurrent urinary tract infection; small bladder capacity (unable to tolerate a 75 mL instillation)
Note: Delay for at least 2 weeks after transurethral resection and/or fulguration.
Bladder cancer: Intravesical: 800 mg once weekly (retain for 2 hours) for 6 weeks
Refer to adult dosing.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer 's labeling. However, dosage adjustment unlikely due to low systemic absorption.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer 's labeling. However, dosage adjustment unlikely due to low systemic absorption.
Hazardous agent; use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 1]). Allow vials to slowly warm to room temperature (do not heat) prior to use. A waxy precipitate (due to polyoxyl castor oil) may form at temperatures <4 ‚ °C, warm vial in the hand until solution is clear (do not use vial if particulate still present). Dilute 800 mg (20 mL) with 55 mL NS (total volume of 75 mL). Use non-PVC containers (glass, polyolefin, or polypropylene) and administration sets to avoid leaching of DEHP plasticizers. Stable for 12 hours at room temperature when diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride. Do not mix with other drugs.
For intravesical use only; not for IV or IM use.
Intravesicular bladder instillation: Insert urinary catheter, empty bladder prior to instillation, slowly by gravity flow, instill 800 mg/75 mL (in 0.9% sodium chloride injection), remove catheter. Retain in the bladder for 2 hours, then void. Administer through non-PVC tubing due to the polyoxyl castor oil component. Maintain adequate hydration following treatment.
Hazardous agent; use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 1]). Use appropriate protective gown, goggles, and gloves during administration.
Store intact vials at 2 ‚ °C to 8 ‚ °C (36 ‚ °F to 48 ‚ °F). Do not freeze. Solutions diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride are stable for 12 hours at room temperature.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Solution, Intravesical [preservative free]:
Valstar: 40 mg/mL (5 mL) [contains alcohol, usp, cremophor el]
There are no known significant interactions.
Cystoscopy, biopsy, and urine cytology every 3 months for recurrence or progression
Note: In general, local adverse reactions occur during or shortly after instillation and resolve within 1-7 days.
>10%: Genitourinary: Bladder irritation (88%), urinary frequency (61%), urinary urgency (57%), dysuria (56%), bladder spasm (31%), hematuria (29%; gross: 1%), bladder pain (28%), urinary incontinence (22%), cystitis (15%), urinary tract infection (15%), urine red-tinged
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Chest pain (3%), vasodilation (2%), peripheral edema (1%)
Central nervous system: Headache (4%), malaise (4%), dizziness (3%), fever (2%)
Dermatologic: Rash (3%)
Endocrine & metabolic: Hyperglycemia (1%)
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain (5%), nausea (5%), diarrhea (3%), vomiting (2%), flatulence (1%)
Genitourinary: Nocturia (7%), burning symptoms (5%), urinary retention (4%), urethral pain (3%), pelvic pain (1%), hematuria (microscopic) (3%)
Hematologic: Anemia (2%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Weakness (4%), back pain (3%), myalgia (1%)
Respiratory: Pneumonia (1%)
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Hematologic toxicity (following instillation into perforated bladder), nonprotein nitrogen increased, pruritus, skin irritation (local), taste loss, tenesmus, urine flow decreased, urethritis
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Bladder irritation: Irritable bladder symptoms may occur during instillation and retention, and for a brief time after voiding. Use with caution in patients with severe irritable bladder symptoms;. Prolonged symptoms should prompt contact with the physician.
- Red-tinged urine: May occur in first 24 hours after instillation. Prolonged discoloration should prompt contact with the physician.
Disease-related concerns:
- Bladder perforation: Evaluate bladder status prior to instillation. Do not administer if mucosal integrity of bladder has been compromised or bladder perforation is present; delay treatment until restoration of bladder integrity.
- Bladder procedures: Delay valrubicin therapy for at least 2 weeks after transurethral resection and/or fulguration.
Special handling:
- Hazardous agent: Use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 1]).
Other warnings/issues:
- Administration: Use aseptic technique to prevent urinary tract infection or traumatizing urinary mucosa. Although clamping of the urinary catheter after administration is not recommended, use caution and appropriate medical supervision if performed.
- Appropriate use: Delaying cystectomy for intravesical treatment may lead to metastatic bladder cancer; the risk for metastatic disease increases with delay duration; reconsider cystectomy for recurrence or if complete response to treatment does not occur within 3 months.
- Polyoxyl castor oil: Contains polyoxyl castor oil which may be associated with hypersensitivity reactions. Use is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to polyoxyl castor oil.
C
Adverse effects were observed in animal reproduction studies. Systemic exposure (eg, with bladder perforation) during human pregnancy may result in fetal harm. Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment. All patients of reproductive age should use an effective method of contraception during the treatment period.
Blocks function of DNA topoisomerase II; inhibits DNA synthesis, causes extensive chromosomal damage, and arrests cell development (G2 phase); unlike other anthracyclines, does not appear to intercalate DNA; readily penetrates cells.
Intravesical: Penetrates into bladder wall; negligible systemic absorption (dependent on bladder wall condition; trauma to mucosa may increase absorption, bladder wall perforation may significantly increase absorption and systemic myelotoxicity).
Negligible after intravesical instillation and 2-hour retention
Urine (post 2-hour retention): 98.6% as intact drug; 0.4% as N-trifluoroacetyladriamycin)
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Patient may experience bladder irritation, polyuria, urinary incontinence, abdominal pain, nausea, or urine discoloration. Have patient report immediately to prescriber painful urination, hematuria, change in amount of urine passed, or urinary retention (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for health care professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience, and judgment in diagnosing, treating, and advising patients.