All you need to know about Melphalan

What is Melphalan:

Melphalan is indicated to used in adult patients: 

• In order to relieve the symptoms caused by the multiple myeloma, a type of cancer of the blood. 
• In order to relieve the symptoms caused by ovarian cancer (epithelial carcinoma of the ovary) that is difficult to be removed by the surgery. 
• In combination with surgery for the treatment of skin cancer (malignant melanoma). 

How to take Melphalan Injection:

Melphalan 50 mg Injection should be given to you with the help of a needle, directly into a vein (IV), by a specially trained healthcare professional. 

Usual adult dose: Your healthcare provider will determine your dose based on your weight and height. Your dose can be changed based on how well you are responding to treatment and outcome of your blood test.

Melphalan Side Effects:

These are not the entire possible side effects you may experience while taking Melphalan Injection. If you experience any side effects not exist here, inform your healthcare provider as soon as you can.
Possible side effects may include: 

• In women, periods may stop 
• In men, reduced production of sperm.
• Nausea
• vomiting, diarrhea 
• Mouth ulcers or sori 
• Hair loss 
• Skin rash or itching 
• Mild pain or irritation where Melphalan Injection was injected 
• Flushing
• Feelings of warmth or tingling 
• Muscle pain, wasting, or scarring 

Melphalan for multiple myeloma Injection can cause abnormal blood test results. Your healthcare provider will determine when to perform blood tests and will interpret the results. 

How Does Melphalan Work:

Melphalan 50 mg is an alkylating agent of the bis chloroethylamine type. As an outcome, its cytotoxicity seems to be related to the extent of its interstrand cross-linking with DNA, most probably by binding at the N7 position of the guanine. Like the rest bifunctional alkylating existing agents, this one is quite active against both resting and quickly dividing tumor cells.

Interact with Melphalan for Injection: 

• Nalidixic acid: basically an antibiotic used in order to treat bacterial infections. 
• Cyclosporine, recommended to prevent organ rejection in those patients who have had an organ transplant. 
• Busulfan 
• Vaccination with live vaccines.

Do not use Melphalan Injection if: 

• you think that you are allergic to it, chlorambucil or any kind of the other existing ingredients in Melphalan Injection. 
• your disease is not responding with the treatment of Melphalan. 
• you are currently taking or have recently taken chemotherapy or radiotherapy. 
• you have recently received a treatment with the drugs similar to the Melphalan Injection. 
• you have very low platelet counts or a neutrophil (neutrophils and platelets are basically blood cells). 
• you are breastfeeding. 

Drug overdose: In the occurrence of the drug overdose, immediately inform your doctor / healthcare provider, nearest hospital emergency department or regional poison control center, in order to get appropriate medical help.

Missed dose: If you miss an appointment to receive a dose of Melphalan for Injection contact your healthcare professional as soon 
as possible.

Storage: 

• Melphalan for Injection should be stored at controlled room temperature (15 ° -30 ° C). 
• Protect from light. 

Warnings you should know about: 

• Melphalan Injection has been reported in order to cause new cancers in a few patients who have been treated with this drug. If you experience any new symptoms or have any kind of concern please discuss it with your healthcare provider. 
• If you require surgery, tell the healthcare provider or anesthetist that you are taking Melphalan Injection. 
• Your healthcare provider will perform blood tests prior to initiating your treatment with Melphalan for and before each dose. 

Prescribing Information (PI): To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, read "PI" and talk to your healthcare professional before you take Melphalan for Injection. Discuss any kind of health issue you may have, including: 

• If you are pregnant or having an intention to become pregnant. 
• If you have diseases related to the kidney.

FAQ's

From which class of drug Melphalan belongs? 
Melphalan specifically belongs to a class of drugs referred to as alkylating agents and is a kind of derivative of the nitrogen mustard. 

What if I miss a melphalan dose?
In case you forgot or miss a melphalan dose, skip the forgotten or missed melphalan dose and carry on with your upcoming scheduled dose. Strictly avoid taking double or additional doses. Call your healthcare professional for advice.

How are patients monitored?

• Patients will basically have scheduled meetings with their doctor while taking treatment with Melphalan.
• Typically, blood will be drawn in order to evaluate the levels of blood cells and to monitor functions of certain organ systems, for instance kidneys or liver.
• Physical examinations, scans, and certain other measures can be done in order to assess side effects and the precise response to therapy.
• Apart from this, patients may uncommonly have allergic type reactions while taking treatment with Melphalan.
• Patients should be monitored closely for these signs and symptoms, and in case they have wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or facial features or hives, they must report their healthcare practitioner promptly, as all these signs and symptoms are basically indicative of an allergic reaction, which requires immediate attention.

Where should I store melphalan?
Melphalan should be kept out of the reach of kids. It should be stored in the refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Protect this medication from light. 

The afore-mentioned article is solely for information purpose. We don't acclaim the effectiveness of the medication.