Chlormethine - Topical

Chlormethine is used to treat mycosis fungoides (a type of cancer wherein certain white blood cells become cancerous and affect the skin causing lesions).

Apply Chlormethine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more often or over a larger area than instructed by your doctor.

This medicine is available as a gel.

To apply the gel, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Clean and dry the affected area before application.
3. Apply immediately or within 30 minutes of removing it from the refrigerator.
4. Apply a thin layer on the affected area(s) of your skin. Do not cover, wrap or bandage the area unless instructed by the doctor.
5. Wash your hands immediately after application.
6. Replace the cap of the tube and return to refrigerator.

Avoid contact of this medicine with your eyes, mouth or nose. Rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes if it gets into these areas. Alert your doctor if you start to have any problems with your eyes.

If you are applying Chlormethine on another person, wear disposable gloves made of nitrile. Carefully remove gloves (turning them inside out) after application and then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

The dose of Chlormethine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and response to this medicine.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.

If you often forget to apply your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not use Chlormethine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.

Chlormethine can be flammable. Avoid exposure of the medicine to fire and flames or smoking during and immediately after applying on your skin.

Do not apply this medicine near the eyes, to the inside the nostrils, the inside of ears or on the lips.

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Regular monitoring of signs of skin and allergic reactions (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) may be needed.

Chlormethine may cause any of the following side effects: redness, swelling, itching, and darkening of areas of your skin.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
• skin blisters or ulcers, inflammation
• skin lump or growth, change in colour or size of a mole

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Let your doctor know if you are using any other creams, ointments, lotions, or other medicines on the affected area.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow Chlormethine to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.

Keep away from the reach of children and contact with food in the refrigerator.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Do not use an opened or unopened tube after 60 days of storage in the refrigerator.

As Chlormethine is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired gel to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.