Melphalan, also known by the brand name Alkeran, is a chemotherapy drug used to treat multiple myeloma, ovarian cancer, melanoma, and AL amyloidosis.
It helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells and is available in oral (tablet) and intravenous (injection) forms.
What are the Uses of Melphalan?
Melphalan tablets or injection is widely used for treating certain types of cancers and related conditions due to its powerful cancer cell-killing properties.
Pre-transplant conditioning for bone marrow transplants
Certain investigational uses in advanced cancers (as advised by doctors)
How Does Melphalan Work (Mechanism of Action)?
Melphalan works by interfering with the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from multiplying and spreading.
Melphalan belongs to a group of drugs called alkylating agents. It damages the genetic material (DNA) in cancer cells, stopping them from dividing and leading to their destruction.
Dosage instructions for Melphalan
Melphalan is available in both oral and injectable forms, allowing flexible treatment options for various cancers based on patient condition and treatment goals.
Dosage Form
Strengths Available
Route
Use
Tablet (Oral)
2 mg, 5 mg
Oral
Used for multiple myeloma and ovarian cancer
Injection (Lyophilized powder)
50 mg (reconstituted before use)
Intravenous (IV)
Used when oral administration is not suitable or for high-dose chemotherapy
Following your doctor's exact dosage instructions is essential to safely and effectively use this medication.
How to Use Melphalan?
Oral Administration: Take this medication orally, usually once a day, as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
Dosage and Schedule: The dosage and treatment schedule are determined by your medical condition and response to treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Avoid Overuse: Do not take this medication in larger doses or more frequently than prescribed. This will not improve your condition faster and may increase the risk of serious side effects.
Time to Benefit: It may take several months before you notice the benefits of this medication.
Pregnancy Warning: Pregnant women should avoid using this drug, as it can be absorbed through the skin or lungs and may harm the unborn baby.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Melphalan?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.
What Happens If I Overdose on Melphalan?
Taking more than the recommended dose can be dangerous and may cause serious harm.
If you experience serious side effects, seek medical attention immediately.
Precautions for Melphalan
Certain people should avoid Melphalan or take it only under close medical supervision to prevent complications.
Infection Risk: Melphalan may increase your susceptibility to infections or worsen existing infections. Avoid contact with infected individuals (e.g., chickenpox, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you are exposed to an infection.
Vaccinations: Obtain immunizations only with your doctor's permission. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (e.g., nasal flu vaccine).
Injury Prevention: Use caution when handling sharp objects and avoid activities like contact sports to reduce the risk of cuts, bruises, or injuries.
Allergies: Let your doctor if you are allergic to melphalan, chlorambucil, or any other medications.
Pregnancy: Inform your doctor if you are are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Melphalan can harm an unborn child, so it's important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Breastfeeding: It is uncertain whether melphalan passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug due to potential risks to the infant.
Are There Any Age Restrictions?
Melphalan use in children and older adults requires careful medical supervision, as their bodies may respond differently to chemotherapy. Dosage adjustments are often needed based on age, body weight, organ function, and overall health condition. Close monitoring helps manage potential side effects and ensures safe and effective treatment outcomes.
Food, Alcohol, and Lifestyle Warnings
Avoid alcohol unless approved by your doctor
Stay away from people with contagious infections
Do not receive live vaccines without doctor's advice
Possible Interactions with Other Medications
Melphalan Drug Interactions: Melphalan can interact with other medications, altering their effects or increasing side effects.
Nalidixic Acid: This product may interact with melphalan. Inform your doctor if you're on blood thinners, antibiotics, or immune-suppressing drugs.
Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are currently taking.
How Should Melphalan Be Stored?
Proper storage helps maintain the effectiveness and safety of this medication.
Store at room temperature
Keep away from heat, sunlight, and moisture
Do not freeze or refrigerate unless instructed
Keep out of reach of children and pets
What Happens If Melphalan Is Not Stored Properly?
Exposure to heat, moisture, or sunlight may reduce its effectiveness or make it unsafe to use.
Melphalan vs Fludarabine
Aspect
Melphalan
Fludarabine
Uses
Treats multiple myeloma, ovarian cancer, melanoma, AL amyloidosis
Treats leukemia and lymphoma
Administration
Oral tablet or injection into a vein
Injection into a vein or oral administration
Mechanism
Prevents or slows the growth of cancer cells
Prevents and kills the growth of abnormal blood cells by inhibiting genetic material production
For more detailed information or to book a consultation, contact Medicover at 040-68334455.
Melphalan injection is administered as an infusion via a central intravenous (IV) line inserted into a large vein. This injection will be administered by a healthcare provider.
The majority of multiple myeloma medications and treatments do not cause hair loss. The answer is yes if you are undergoing a stem cell transplant that includes high-dose intravenous chemotherapy (such as melphalan).
Melphalan typically stays in the body for a few hours to a couple of days. It has a short half-life (around 1.5 hours), but its effects on cells can last longer. Always follow your doctor's guidance during and after treatment.
Melphalan is a chemotherapy drug that is used to treat cancers such as myeloma, melanoma, sarcoma, and ovarian cancer. It is also used for treating some other types of cancer.
Vomiting and nausea (vomiting). These symptoms can occur within a few hours of treatment and can last for up to 48 hours. There are medications available to prevent or reduce the severity of these side effects.
Melphalan decreases the number of red blood cells in the blood. Red blood cells are useful for carrying oxygen throughout the body. If you have a low red blood cell count, you may feel tired and short of breath. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please notify your doctor or nurse.
After taking melphalan, there is a little risk of developing blood cancer such as leukemia or myelodysplasia. Discuss this risk with your doctor.
No, melphalan can harm the unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
The maximum daily dose varies by treatment, but typically does not exceed 20 mg/m². Always follow your doctor's prescription for safe dosing.
Both are chemotherapy drugs but differ in chemical structure, uses, and side effects. Melphalan is often used for multiple myeloma; Cyclophosphamide treats various cancers and autoimmune diseases.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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