What is Melphalan?

Melphalan, also known by the brand name Alkeran, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat multiple myeloma, ovarian cancer, melanoma, and AL amyloidosis. It is administered either as a tablet or as an injection into a vein. Common side effects include nausea and bone marrow suppression.

Melphalan Uses

Melphalan is used primarily for the treatment of certain cancers such as multiple myeloma and ovarian cancer. It belongs to a class of drugs known as alkylating agents, which stop cancer cell growth.

How to Use

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: Because this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, pregnant women should avoid using it.

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Melphalan Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite or weight
Sores in the mouth and throat
Missed menstrual periods
Joint pain
Muscle or back pain

Serious Side Effects:

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

If you experience serious side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Precautions

Allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to melphalan, chlorambucil, or any other medications.
Medical History: Discuss your medical history with your doctor, particularly if you have had any bleeding/blood problems, kidney issues, or radiation treatment.
Infection Risk: Melphalan may increase your susceptibility to infections or worsen existing infections. Avoid contact with infected individuals (e.g., chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult 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.
Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor. Melphalan can harm an unborn child. Discuss the potential benefits and risks 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.

Interactions

Drug Interactions: Melphalan can interact with other medications, altering their effects or increasing side effects. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Nalidixic Acid: This product may interact with melphalan.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and exhibits serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, seek medical attention immediately. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.

Missed Dose

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.

Storage

Store melphalan away from direct heat, air, and light to prevent damage. Keep the medication in a safe place, out of reach of children.

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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

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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 study

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is melphalan used for?

Melphalan is a chemotherapy drug used to treat multiple myeloma (a type of cancer of the bone marrow). It is also used in treating ovarian cancer (cancer that begins in the female reproductive organs where eggs are formed).

2. How is melphalan administered?

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.

3. Does melphalan cause hair loss?

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).

4. How long does melphalan stay in the body?

White blood cell 8-10 days, 27-32 days (platelets).

5. Is melphalan chemotherapy?

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.

6. How long do melphalan side effects last?

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.

7. What type of drug is melphalan?

It comes from a class of drugs known as alkylating agents. It works by preventing or slowing the growth of cancer cells in the body.

8. Does melphalan cause fatigue?

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.

9. Does melphalan cause cancer?

After taking melphalan, there is a little risk of developing blood cancer such as leukemia or myelodysplasia. Discuss this risk with your doctor.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.