* Generic Name: melphalan
* Brand Name: Alkeran
* What is melphalan (Alkeran, Alkeran I.V., Evomela)?
* What are the possible side effects of melphalan (Alkeran,
Alkeran I.V., Evomela)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
melphalan (Alkeran, Alkeran I.V., Evomela)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using
melphalan (Alkeran, Alkeran I.V., Evomela)?
* How is melphalan given (Alkeran, Alkeran I.V., Evomela)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Alkeran, Alkeran I.V., Evomela)?
* What happens if I overdose (Alkeran, Alkeran I.V., Evomela)?
* What should I avoid while taking melphalan (Alkeran, Alkeran
I.V., Evomela)?
* What other drugs will affect melphalan (Alkeran, Alkeran I.V.,
Evomela)?
* Where can I get more information (Alkeran, Alkeran I.V.,
Evomela)?
What is melphalan (Alkeran, Alkeran I.V., Evomela)?
Melphalan is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and
spread of cancer cells in the body.
Melphalan is used to treat multiple myeloma (a type of blood
cancer) and cancer of the ovary.
Melphalan treats only the symptoms of ovarian cancer or multiple
myeloma, but does not treat the cancer itself.
Melphalan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of melphalan (Alkeran, Alkeran I.V.,
Evomela)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
* bone marrow suppression--sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever,
chills, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, red or pink
urine, painful mouth sores, cough, trouble breathing, feeling
light-headed, rapid heart rate;
* inflammation of your blood vessels--numbness or tingling, red skin
rash, unusual lumps or masses, fever, weight loss, muscle or
joint pain, tired feeling, unusual bleeding; or
* liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of
appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
(yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common side effects may include:
* missed menstrual periods;
* weakness; or
* temporary hair loss.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about melphalan
(Alkeran, Alkeran I.V., Evomela)?
Melphalan can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections
and help your blood to clot. You may get an infection or bleed more
easily. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or
signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches).
Alkeran Patient Information including How Should I Take
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using melphalan
(Alkeran, Alkeran I.V., Evomela)?
You should not use melphalan if you are allergic to it, or if prior
treatment with this medication was unsuccessful in controlling your
disease.
To make sure melphalan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
* a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain
medicine);
* liver disease;
* kidney disease; or
* a history of chemotherapy or radiation.
Using melphalan may increase your risk of developing other types of
cancer, such as leukemia. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.
Do not use melphalan if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn
baby. Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy during your
treatment with melphalan. Follow your doctor's instructions about how
long to prevent pregnancy after your treatment ends.
This medication may affect fertility (your ability to have children),
whether you are a man or a woman.
It is not known whether melphalan passes into breast milk or if it
could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this
medicine.
How is melphalan given (Alkeran, Alkeran I.V., Evomela)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
recommended.
Oral melphalan is a tablet you take by mouth. Injectable melphalan is
injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you
this injection.
Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have
conditions that would prevent you from safely using melphalan.
Melphalan can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections
and help your blood to clot. This can make it easier for you to bleed
from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Your
blood may need to be tested often.
Store melphalan tablets in the refrigerator and protect them from
light.
Alkeran Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
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What happens if I miss a dose (Alkeran, Alkeran I.V., Evomela)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your
melphalan injection.
What happens if I overdose (Alkeran, Alkeran I.V., Evomela)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking melphalan (Alkeran, Alkeran I.V., Evomela)?
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your
doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use
extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using melphalan. The vaccine may
not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from
disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella
(MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella
(chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu
(influenza) vaccine.
This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit).
Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body
fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers.
Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and
linens separately from other laundry.
What other drugs will affect melphalan (Alkeran, Alkeran I.V., Evomela)?
Other drugs may interact with melphalan, including prescription and
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of
your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any
medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information (Alkeran, Alkeran I.V., Evomela)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about melphalan.
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