ALKACEL 5MG 25S TAB

What is Melphalan for:

This medication is a Cytotoxic Chemotherapy agent, prescribed for multiple myeloma, melanoma, and ovarian carcinoma. It stops or slows the growth of cancer cells in the body.

How does Melphalan work:

Melphalan harms cancer cells causing their death.

How should Melphalan be used:

It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, on an empty stomach. It also comes as a solution for injection to be administered by a healthcare provider into the vein.

Common side effects of Melphalan :

Chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu. Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. Anemia, low white blood cell count, and low platelet count. Loose stools (diarrhea). Skin irritation. Hair loss. Hair most often grows back when this drug is stopped. For women, no period. Mouth irritation or mouth sores. Change in color of urine to brown or orange. Harm to the liver may rarely happen. Harm to the lungs may rarely happen. Other kinds of cancer may rarely happen later in life.

What do I do if I miss a dose

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What precautions should I take when taking Melphalan :

If you have an allergy to melphalan or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. If you are breast-feeding.

When do I need to seek medical help

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.5°F (38°C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain. Trouble breathing. Very bad belly pain. Very upset stomach or throwing up. Very loose stools (diarrhea). Any bruising or bleeding. Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes. Feeling very ired or weak. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take Melphalan with other medicines:

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Are there any food restrictions

Avoid Alcohol

How do I store Melphalan :

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Pregnancy Category

Category D : There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Therapeutic Classification

Cytotoxic Chemotherapy