melphalan

trade name: Alkeran; drug class: antineoplastic; action: responsible for cross-linking DNA strands, which leads to cell death; uses: palliative treatment of multiple myeloma and nonresectable epithelial carcinoma of the ovary.

Brand names: Alkeran®

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Melphalan injection (below)
• Melphalan Oral tablet
• Melphalan Solution for injection

Español:
• Inyección de melfalán
• Melfalán, Tableta oral
• Melfalán, Solución para inyección

Melphalan injection

What is melphalan injection?

MELPHALAN (Alkeran®) is a type of chemotherapy for treating cancer. Melphalan interferes with cell growth and treats cancers of the bone marrow when oral tablets (by mouth) cannot be taken. Generic melphalan injections are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• bleeding problems
• blood disorders
• dental disease
• gout
• infection (especially virus infection such as chickenpox or herpes)
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• recent radiation therapy
• an unusual or allergic reaction to melphalan, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Melphalan is for infusion into a vein. It is usually administered in a hospital or clinic setting by a health care professional. A first course of therapy is given as a single dose at 2 week intervals for 4 doses. After a recovery time, further doses may be given at 4 week intervals. Improvement can take many months. Continue to receive doses at regular intervals unless instructed otherwise by your prescriber or health care professional.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What drug(s) may interact with melphalan?

• carmustine
• cisplatin
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• immune globulins
• interferon alfa
• medicine that suppresses immune response (such as methylprednisolone, prednisone, azathioprine, cyclosporine, muromonab-CD3, tacrolimus)
• live virus vaccines and killed virus vaccines
• phenytoin
• probenecid
• sulfinpyrazone

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking melphalan?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks. The side effects of melphalan can continue after you finish your treatment; report side effects promptly.

Melphalan may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because melphalan affects good cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop.

While you are using melphalan, you will be more susceptible to infection. Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and bronchitis. Do not have any vaccinations without your prescriber's approval and avoid anyone who has recently had oral polio vaccine.

Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat. Do not treat yourself.

Melphalan can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are using melphalan.

Melphalan can change male sperm or female eggs. Talk to your prescriber or health care professional about how this medicine can affect your ability to have normal babies.

What side effects may I notice from receiving melphalan?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• black tarry stools
• blood in the urine
• chest pain
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• fever or chills, cough or sore throat
• lower back pain
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on your skin
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
• hair loss
• missed menstrual periods
• mouth ulcers
• nausea
• skin rash, itching

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

After mixing the injection solution, use as soon as possible. Use within 60 minutes of dilution. Throw away any unused injection solution.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.