Melphalan
Melphalan, also known as Alkeran, is a chemotherapy medication used for treating melanoma, multiple myeloma, ovarian cancer, and AL amyloidosis. It is administered as a tablet or as an injection into a vein. Nausea and bone marrow suppression are common side effects.
Melphalan Uses
This medication is used to treat certain cancers (such as multiple myeloma, ovarian). It is an alkylating agent, which is a type of drug. It works by stopping cancer cell growth.
How to use
Take this medication orally, usually once a day, as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids to help prevent side effects, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
The dosage and timetable for treatment are determined by your medical condition and response to treatment. To take this medication, carefully follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not take this medication in larger doses or more frequently than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your chances of experiencing serious side effects will increase.
It may take several months before you notice any benefit from this medication.
Because this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, pregnant women should avoid using it.
Melphalan Side Effects
Some of the common side effects are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite or weight
- Sores in the mouth and throat
- Missed menstrual periods
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain, or back pain
Some side effects can be serious such as:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Pale skin
- Excessive tiredness
- Fainting
- Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Dark-colored urine
- Unusual lumps or masses
Precautions
Before taking this, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, chlorambucil, or any other medications.
Before taking this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist of your medical history, particularly of any bleeding/blood problems, kidney problems, or radiation treatment.
This medicine may increase your susceptibility to infections or worsen existing infections. Avoid contact with anyone who has an infection that could spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). If you have been exposed to an infection or would like more information, please consult your doctor.
Obtain immunizations/vaccinations only with your doctor's permission. Contact with people who have recently received live vaccines should be avoided (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
To reduce the possibility of being cut, bruised, or injured, use caution when handling sharp objects such as razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
If you are pregnant, notify your doctor. Melphalan has the potential to harm an unborn child. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of this medication right away.
It is uncertain whether this medication passes into breast milk or not. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug due to the potential risk to the infant.
Interactions
Drug interactions can change the way your medications function or put you at risk for adverse side effects. Keep track of everything you use and share it with your doctor. Nalidixic acid is a product that may interact with this medication.
Overdose
If someone has taken an overdose of this medicine and has serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, seek medical advice immediately. Never take more doses than what is prescribed to you by your doctor.
Missed Dose
Drug interactions can change the way your medications function or put you at risk for adverse side effects. Keep track of everything you use and share it with your doctor. Nalidixic acid is a product that may interact with this medication.
Storage
The medicine should not come in direct contact with heat, air, light and may damage your medicines. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and far away from children’s reach.
Melphalan vs Fludarabine
Melphalan |
Fludarabine |
|---|---|
| It is a chemotherapy medication used for treating multiple myeloma, ovarian cancer, melanoma, and AL amyloidosis. | Fludarabine, also known by the brand name Fludara, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat leukemia and lymphoma. |
| It is administered as a tablet or as an injection into a vein. | It is administered either by injection into a vein or by mouth. |
| It works by preventing or slowing the growth of cancer cells in the body. | Fludarabine works by preventing and killing the growth of abnormal blood cells. It accomplishes this by preventing the production of the cells' genetic material. |
Citations
Busulfan 12 mg/kg plus melphalan 140 mg/m2 versus melphalan 200 mg/m2 as conditioning regimens for autologous transplantation in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients included in the PETHEMA/GEM2000 studyFludarabine/melphalan conditioning for allogeneic transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma
