Valrubicin

Generic Name: valrubicin

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Valstar

11 DESCRIPTION VALSTAR contains valrubicin (N-trifluoroacetyladriamycin-14-valerate), which is a semisynthetic analog of the anthracycline doxorubicin as a cytotoxic agent. The chemical name of valrubicin is (2 S - cis )-2-[1,2,3,4,6,11-hexahydro-2,5,12-trihydroxy-7-methoxy-6,11-dioxo-4-[[2,3,6-trideoxy-3-[(trifluoroacetyl)amino]-α-L- lyxo -hexopyranosyl]oxyl]-2-naphthacenyl]-2-oxoethylpentanoate.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION VALSTAR contains valrubicin (N-trifluoroacetyladriamycin-14-valerate), which is a semisynthetic analog of the anthracycline doxorubicin as a cytotoxic agent. The chemical name of valrubicin is (2 S - cis )-2-[1,2,3,4,6,11-hexahydro-2,5,12-trihydroxy-7-methoxy-6,11-dioxo-4-[[2,3,6-trideoxy-3-[(trifluoroacetyl)amino]-α-L- lyxo -hexopyranosyl]oxyl]-2-naphthacenyl]-2-oxoethylpentanoate.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE VALSTAR is an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor indicated for intravesical therapy of BCG-refractory carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the urinary bladder in patients for whom immediate cystectomy would be associated with unacceptable morbidity or mortality. VALSTAR is an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor indicated for intravesical therapy of BCG-refractory carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the urinary bladder in patients for whom immediate cystectomy would be associated with unacceptable morbidity or mortality. ( 1 )

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For Intravesical Use Only. ( 2.1 ) VALSTAR is recommended at a dose of 800 mg administered intravesically once a week for six weeks. ( 2.1 ) Delay administration at least two weeks after transurethral resection and/or fulguration. ( 2.1 ) Warm VALSTAR slowly to room temperature, but do not heat. ( 2.1 ) Use caution when handling and preparing the solution of VALSTAR. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosing For Intravesical Use Only. Do NOT administer by intravenous or intramuscular routes. VALSTAR is recommended at a dose of 800 mg administered intravesically once a week for six weeks. Delay administration at least two weeks after transurethral resection and/or fulguration [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.3 )].

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most frequently reported adverse reactions ( > 5%) after administration of VALSTAR are urinary frequency, dysuria, urinary urgency, bladder spasm, hematuria, bladder pain, urinary incontinence, cystitis, urinary tract infection, nocturia, local burning symptoms, abdominal pain, and nausea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Endo at 1-800-462-3636 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS No drug interaction studies were conducted.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Delaying cystectomy can lead to development of metastatic bladder cancer, which is lethal. ( 5.1 ) Do not administer VALSTAR to patients with a perforated bladder or to those in whom the integrity of the bladder mucosa has been compromised. ( 5.2 , 12.3 ) Evaluate the status of the bladder before the intravesical instillation of VALSTAR. ( 5.3 ) Use with caution in patients with severe irritable bladder symptoms. ( 5.4 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: VALSTAR can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS VALSTAR is contraindicated in patients with: Perforated bladder [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Known hypersensitivity to anthracyclines or polyoxyl castor oil Active urinary tract infection Small bladder capacity and unable to tolerate a 75 mL instillation Perforated bladder or compromised bladder mucosa ( 4 , 5.2 ) Hypersensitivity to anthracyclines or polyoxyl castor...

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings in animal studies and its mechanism of action, VALSTAR can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant females [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 and 12.3 )] . There are no available data in pregnant females to inform the drug-associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of valrubicin to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at a dose about 0.2 times the recommended human intravesical dose caused embryo-fetal malformations and increased resorptions [see Data] .

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING VALSTAR is a sterile, clear red solution in polyoxyl castor oil/dehydrated alcohol, USP, containing 40 mg valrubicin per mL. VALSTAR is available in single-use, clear glass vials, individually packaged in the following sizes: NDC 67979-001-01 Carton of four 200 mg/5 mL single-use vials Store vials under refrigeration at 2°-8°C (36°-46°F) in the carton.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Valrubicin used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE VALSTAR is an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor indicated for intravesical therapy of BCG-refractory carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the urinary bladder in patients for whom immediate cystectomy would be associated with unacceptable morbidity or mortality. VALSTAR is an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor indicated for intravesical therapy of BCG-refractory carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the urinary bladder in patients for whom immediate cystectomy would be associated with unacceptable morbidity or mortality. ( 1 )

What are the side effects of Valrubicin?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most frequently reported adverse reactions ( > 5%) after administration of VALSTAR are urinary frequency, dysuria, urinary urgency, bladder spasm, hematuria, bladder pain, urinary incontinence, cystitis, urinary tract infection, nocturia, local burning symptoms, abdominal pain, and nausea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Endo at 1-800-462-3636 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Can I take Valrubicin during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings in animal studies and its mechanism of action, VALSTAR can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant females [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 and 12.3 )] . There are no available data in pregnant females to inform the drug-associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of valrubicin to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at a dose about 0.2 times the recommended human intravesical dose caused embryo-fetal malformations and increased resorptions [see Data] .

What are the important warnings for Valrubicin?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Delaying cystectomy can lead to development of metastatic bladder cancer, which is lethal. ( 5.1 ) Do not administer VALSTAR to patients with a perforated bladder or to those in whom the integrity of the bladder mucosa has been compromised. ( 5.2 , 12.3 ) Evaluate the status of the bladder before the intravesical instillation of VALSTAR. ( 5.3 ) Use with caution in patients with severe irritable bladder symptoms. ( 5.4 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: VALSTAR can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS VALSTAR is contraindicated in patients with: Perforated bladder [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Known hypersensitivity to anthracyclines or polyoxyl castor oil Active urinary tract infection Small bladder capacity and unable to tolerate a 75 mL instillation Perforated bladder or compromised bladder mucosa ( 4 , 5.2 ) Hypersensitivity to anthracyclines or polyoxyl castor...

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.