Nitrogen Mustard
(NYE-tro-jin MUS-terd)
Definition | Special instructions | Side effects | Warning signs| Contact us
What is nitrogen mustard?
Nitrogen mustard (Mustargen") is a chemotherapy medicine used to treat cancer. It is also referred to as mechlorethamine (meh-klor-ETH-uh-meen). It is given through an injection into a vein.
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Special instructions
- Call your child's doctor if redness, pain or swelling develops around the IV site or in the area where the medication was given.
- This medicine is only given in the hospital or clinic.
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Side effects
- Low blood counts (decreased white blood cells needed to fight infection and decreased platelets that are necessary for proper blood clotting)
- Hair loss
- Menstrual changes
- Diarrhea
Report to your child's doctor if nausea and / or vomiting continue for longer than 24 hours.
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Warning signs
Call your child's doctor if your child experiences:
- Redness or pain at the site or in the arm where the medication was given
- Fever
- Bleeding
- Unusual bruising
- Sore throat
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Patient Education Program V 5023 5/01
Rev. 9/05, 10/07
