Valspodar
Trade Name:
Amdray
Type of Drug:
Valspodar is a chemotherapy sensitizer. Some cancer cells have a gene that allows them to get rid of the chemotherapy, which means that the cells are not damaged by the chemotherapy. A chemosensitizer stops the cells from getting rid of the chemotherapy so that the drug can remain in the cancer cells and kill them.
How Drug Works:
Valspodar binds to the surface of the cancer cell and blocks the gene. When the chemotherapy enters the cell, it is not removed. The chemotherapy stays in the cell, which causes the cell to die.
How Drug Is Given:
Valspodar is given by injection in a vein, then a continuous infusion. It is given 1 day before chemotherapy, and continued for 1 day after chemotherapy. The dose depends on the investigational study.
Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor:

  • If you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. This drug may cause birth defects if either the male or female is taking it at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Men and women who are taking this drug need to use some kind of birth control. However, do not use oral contraceptives (“the pill”) without checking with your doctor.

  • If you think you may want to have children in the future. Many chemotherapy drugs can cause sterility.

  • If you have any of the following medical problems: chickenpox or exposure to chickenpox, gout, heart disease, congestive heart failure, shingles, kidney stones, liver disease, or other forms of cancer.

  • If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.
Should I avoid any other medicines, foods, alcohol, and/or activities?
Your prescription and nonprescription medicines may interact with other drugs, causing harm. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medicine—prescription or nonprescription—without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, food, or other medicines. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and affect activities such as driving.
Precautions:
Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, because there may be some possible drug interactions.
Valspodar may cause a temporary increase in the amount of bilirubin in the blood (bilirubin is a pigment found in bile and blood and is related to how well the liver functions).
In clinical studies of high doses of this drug, valspodar caused neurological changes. You will be closely monitored for this. Report any changes in coordination, strength of leg muscles, gait, or walking ability right away to your doctor or nurse.
Other side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, and numbness, beginning 1 hour after receiving
valspodar and lasting 3 to 6 hours.
Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug.
  • Most of the following side effects probably will not occur.
  • Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you.
  • They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.
Side Effects:
More Common Side Effects
  • Mild skin reactions at injection site
Less Common Side Effects
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Numbness around mouth
  • Sensation of pins and needles in the fingers or toes
Rare Side Effects
  • Loss of coordination
  • Difficulty walking
  • Severe allergic reaction with fever, chills, rash, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of face and lips
Side Effects / Symptoms of the Drug

Report any side effects right away.
Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.
FDA Approval: This drug is being studied for cancer treatment.