VALSTAR^TM (valrubicin) is 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.

Important Safety Information

VALSTAR is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to anthracyclines or polyoxyl castor oil. VALSTAR should not be administered to patients with a perforated bladder, compromised bladder mucosa integrity, concurrent urinary tract infections, or small bladder capacity (unable to tolerate a 75 mL instillation). The integrity of the bladder should be confirmed prior to instillation of VALSTAR in those patients who have had procedures with the potential to compromise the bladder wall.

Patients should be informed that VALSTAR has been shown to induce complete response in about 1 in 5 patients with BCG-refractory CIS. Delaying cystectomy could lead to development of metastatic bladder cancer. If there is not a complete response of CIS to treatment after 3 months or if CIS recurs, cystectomy must be reconsidered.

VALSTAR should be administered using aseptic technique under the supervision of a practitioner experienced in the use of intravesical cancer chemotherapeutic agents. VALSTAR should be used with caution in patients with severe irritable bladder symptoms. Patients of reproductive age should be advised to use an effective contraception method.

In clinical trials, the most common local adverse events include urinary frequency, urinary urgency and dysuria. The most common systemic adverse events include urinary tract infection, abdominal pain, nausea, asthenia, headache, malaise and urinary retention.

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Please see the accompanying full Prescribing Information.