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valstar preservative free

Valstar Preservative Free (Valrubicin) is a medication used to treat Urinary Bladder Neoplasms.

Valrubicin · by Endo Operations

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Valrubicin
Form
Solution
Strength
Valrubicin 40MG/ML
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Endo Operations
FDA application
NDA020892

What is Valstar Preservative Free?

From the FDA label: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. Valrubicin is an orange or orange-red powder that is highly lipophilic, soluble in methylene chloride, ethanol, methanol and acetone, and relatively insoluble in water. Its chemical formula is C 34 H 36 F 3 NO 13 and its molecular weight is 723.65. The chemical structure is shown in FIGURE 1. VALSTAR is intended for intravesical administration in the urinary bladder. It is supplied as a nonaqueous solution that should be diluted before intravesical administration. Each vial of VALSTAR contains 200 mg valrubicin at a concentration of 40 mg/mL in 5 mL of 50% polyoxyl castor oil/50% dehydrated alcohol, USP without preservatives or other additives. The solution is sterile and nonpyrogenic. FIGURE 1. Chemical Structure of Valrubicin

How to use

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 )]. 2.2 Preparation, Handling, and Administration Handle and dispose of VALSTAR in a manner consistent with other cytotoxic drugs. 1 The use of goggles, gloves, and protective gowns is recommended during preparation and administration of the drug. VALSTAR contains polyoxyl castor oil, which has been known to cause leaching of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) a hepatotoxic plasticizer, from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags and intravenous tubing. VALSTAR should be prepared and stored in glass, polypropylene, or polyolefin containers and tubing. It is recommended that non-DEHP containing administration sets, such as those that are polyethylene-lined, be used. VALSTAR is a…

Side effects

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. The safety of VALSTAR was assessed in 230 patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, including 205 patients who received multiple weekly doses. One hundred seventy-nine of the 205 patients received the approved dose and schedule of 800 mg weekly for multiple weeks. Approximately 84% of patients who received intravesical VALSTAR in clinical studies experienced local adverse reactions. The local adverse reactions associated with VALSTAR usually occur during or shortly after instillation and resolve within 1 to 7 days after the instillate is removed from the bladder. Seven out of 143 patients (5%) who were scheduled to receive six doses of VALSTAR failed to…

Warnings

Important safety information

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. ( 5.5 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Risk of Metastatic Bladder Cancer with Delayed Cystectomy Inform patients that VALSTAR has been shown to induce complete response in only about 1 in 5 patients with BCG-refractory CIS, and that delaying cystectomy could lead to development of metastatic bladder cancer, which is lethal. The exact risk of developing metastatic bladder cancer from such a delay may be difficult to assess [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] but increases the longer cystectomy is delayed in the presence of persisting CIS. If there is not a complete response of CIS to treatment after 3 months or if CIS recurs, reconsider cystectomy. 5.2 Risk in Patients with Perforated Bladder Evaluate the bladder before the intravesical instillation of drug and do not administer VALSTAR to patients with a perforated bladder or to those in whom the integrity of the bladder mucosa has been compromised [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . In case of bladder perforation, delay the administration of VALSTAR until bladder integrity has been restored. One patient with a perforated bladder who received 800 mg of VALSTAR intravesically developed severe leukopenia and neutropenia approximately two weeks after drug administration [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . 5.3 Risk in Patients Undergoing Transurethral Resection of the Bladder (TURB) To avoid systemic exposure to VALSTAR for the patients undergoing TURB, evaluate the status of the bladder before the intravesical instillation of drug. Delay administration at least two weeks after transurethral resection and/or fulguration. 5.4 Risk in Patients with Irritable Bladder Symptoms Use VALSTAR with caution in patients with severe irritable bladder symptoms. Bladder spasm and spontaneous discharge of the intravesical instillate may occur; clamping of the urinary catheter is not advised. 5.5 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings in animal studies and its mechanism of action, VALSTAR can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 and 12.3 )] . 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. Advise females who might become pregnant of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with VALSTAR and for 6 months following the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 and 8.3 )] .

Who should not take Valstar Preservative Free

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 oil. ( 4 ) Concurrent urinary tract infections. ( 4 ) Patients with a small bladder capacity unable to tolerate a 75 mL instillation. ( 4 )

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

There is no known antidote for overdoses of VALSTAR. The primary anticipated complications of overdosage associated with intravesical administration would be consistent with irritable bladder symptoms. Myelosuppression is possible if VALSTAR is inadvertently administered systemically or if significant systemic exposure occurs following intravesical administration (e.g., in patients with bladder rupture/perforation). Under such inadvertent exposures in the peritoneal cavity, the expected toxicities include leukopenia and neutropenia, beginning within 1 week of dose administration, with nadirs by the second week, and recovery generally by the third week. If VALSTAR is administered when bladder rupture or perforation is suspected, weekly monitoring of complete blood counts should be performed for 3 weeks.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

No drug interaction studies were conducted.

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

Dosage forms

Solution

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

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Frequently asked questions

What does Valstar Preservative Free treat?
Valstar Preservative Free (Valrubicin) may be used to treat urinary bladder neoplasms, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
Is there a coupon or discount for Valstar Preservative Free?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Valstar Preservative Free. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Valstar Preservative Free?
Valstar Preservative Free is marketed by Endo Operations. You can see Endo Operations's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Valstar Preservative Free a brand-name or generic drug?
Valstar Preservative Free is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Valrubicin.
Is Valstar Preservative Free available over the counter?
No. Valstar Preservative Free is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Valstar Preservative Free come in?
Valstar Preservative Free is currently marketed as solution, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
Is Valstar Preservative Free FDA-registered?
Valstar Preservative Free is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA020892. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Valstar Preservative Free safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Valstar Preservative Free. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Valstar Preservative Free?
Valstar Preservative Free's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: 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.… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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