Reactions to Topical Mustargen Ointment

Mustargen ointment is a topical chemotherapy drug used for the treatment of cancer. It is applied as an ointment to the skin to help contain the skin lesions. It has a fighting action against cancer cells and its reproduction. While there are treatment benefits from using Mustargen ointment, it may also cause a variety of reactions on its application.

Facts

• Mustargen, also known as topical nitrogen mustard mechlorethamine, is a generally used topical chemotherapy agent administered to mycosis fungoides (MF) patients and is efficient in treating skin lesions or patches. Nitrogen mustard, manufactured by Merck & Co., has been widely used as a topical chemotherapy drug since its discovery of use for treating MF in 1959. Topical Mustargen may be administered as an ointment or aqueous (water) based preparation (mixed with Aquaphor) on affected area and still getting the same results.

Considerations

• The study conducted by Stanford School of Medicine showed evidence that the ointment base is commonly preferred because of lower incidence of contact dermatitis, constancy of the formulation and other moisturizing benefits. The ointment is normally prescribed for daily application to affected area for up to two months.

  Important considerations must be observed prior to its application. It is notable that the ointment may reduce the body's resistance to infection. It may also reduce the number of platelets that may cause uncontrolled bleeding. Precautionary measures should be observed in order to avoid the common reactive response of the body upon the use of Mustargen.

Safety of Use

• It is recommended that a thin film of Mustargen must be test-patch first on a selected area of the skin. This is done to determine the reaction of the skin to the topical application.

Contraindications

• There are some medical conditions that must be considered before using Mustargen. These conditions should be referred to the administering doctor or physician. Pregnant and breast-feeding mothers are at risk when using the topical Mustargen. The patient should not have any allergies to medicines, food and other substances. Patients who have infections, anemia and bone marrow depression might increase risks of possible medical interaction in using the drug. Taking anticoagulants may risk bleeding when Mustargen is used.

Possible Side Effects

• One of the most common side effects when using topical Mustargen among patients is suffering from allergic reactions. This reaction results in skin itching, rashes or redness, most especially on sensitive areas of the skin, according to drugs.com. Another probable side effect is hyper-pigmentation or the darkening of the skin on areas where Mustargen was applied. Severe allergic reactions include difficulty in breathing, swelling, bleeding of the gums, fever or chills, irregular or absence of menstrual periods, dizziness and nausea among many others. Medical attention must be sought immediately to address the severe reactions to Mustargen.