Alkeran

Alkeran tablets Melphalan: what exactly is it? Melphalan is a drug that is used to treat cancer, and it works by inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells within the body. Melphalan is a drug that is prescribed to patients suffering from multiple myeloma, a kind of blood cancer, as well as cancer of the ovary. Melphalan is only effective in treating the symptoms of multiple myeloma and ovarian cancer; it does not treat the actual cancers itself. Information That Is Important Melphalan has the potential to reduce the number of blood cells that assist your body in fighting infections and in the clotting of blood. You run the risk of getting an infection and will likely bleed more easily. Make an appointment with your primary care provider if you see any unusual bruising, bleeding, or indications of infection (fever, chills, body aches). Before beginning to use this medication Melphalan is not something you should take if you have ever had an adverse reaction to it or if previous therapy with this drug has not been helpful in bringing your condition under control. Telling your doctor if you have any of the following conditions will allow them to determine whether or not melphalan is safe for you to take: a weakened immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine); liver disease; kidney disease; or a history of having chemotherapy or radiation treatment. If you use melphalan, there is a possibility that your chance of acquiring other forms of cancer, such as leukemia, will increase. Talk to your primary care physician about the unique dangers you face. Do not use melphalan if you are pregnant. It is possible that the unborn child will be harmed. During your treatment with melphalan, you should be sure to prevent becoming pregnant at all costs by using a reliable method of birth control. Listen to your healthcare provider's advice on how long you should wait before becoming pregnant again after your treatment has concluded. Whether you are a male or a woman, taking this drug might have an effect on your fertility, or your capacity to produce children. It is unknown whether melphalan is excreted into breast milk or whether it may be harmful to a child who is being breastfed. While you are on melphalan, you should not breastfeed your child. How is melphalan given? Always make sure to follow all of the instructions on the label of your medication. In order to optimize your treatment and provide the best possible outcomes, your physician may adjust your dosage on occasion. Do not use this medication in greater or lower doses than indicated, nor for a longer period of time than specified. Melphalan oral comes in the form of a tablet that is swallowed. Injectable melphalan is administered by way of intravenous (IV) injection into a vein. This injection will be administered to you by a qualified medical professional. Your physician will examine your blood to determine whether or not you have any problems that might prevent you from taking melphalan in a manner that is both safe and effective. Melphalan has the potential to reduce the number of blood cells that assist your body in fighting infections and in the clotting of blood. This might make it more likely that you will bleed from an accident or become unwell if you are near others who are already sick. It's possible that your blood may need to be checked often. Melphalan tablets should be kept in the refrigerator and shielded from light to prevent degradation. What can I expect if I forget to take a dose? When you realize you missed a dosage, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dosage, you should skip the dose that you missed. It is not necessary to take additional medication in order to make up for a missed dosage. If you are unable to make it to your scheduled appointment for your melphalan injection, please call your physician for further instructions. While I'm on melphalan, what should I try to stay away from? Steer clear of ill persons and anyone who could be carrying diseases. If you see any symptoms of infection, you should contact your physician as soon as possible. Steer clear of any actions that can raise your chances of getting cut or bleeding out. When shaving or cleaning your teeth, take additional precautions to avoid cutting yourself and bleeding. When receiving melphalan treatment, a "live" vaccination should not be administered. It is possible that the vaccination will not provide as much protection against disease during this period, and it may not function at all. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, rotavirus vaccine, typhoid vaccine, yellow fever vaccine, varicella vaccine (chickenpox), zoster vaccine (shingles), and nasal influenza vaccine (influenza) are all examples of live vaccinations. Melphalan is capable of penetrating bodily fluids (urine, feces, vomit). When cleaning up a patient's bodily fluids, handling contaminated garbage or laundry, or changing a patient's diaper, caregivers should use rubber gloves to protect their hands. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Separately launder dirty articles of clothes and linens from the rest of the laundry. Effects of Melphalan on the body Get immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or neck are all symptoms of anaphylaxis. You should see your physician as soon as possible if you have: bone marrow suppression symptoms include sudden weakness or a sick feeling, fever, chills, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, red or pink urine, painful mouth sores, cough, trouble breathing, feeling lightheaded, rapid heart rate; inflammation of your blood vessels symptoms include numbness or tingling, red skin rash, unusual lumps or masses, fever, weight loss, muscle or joint pain, tired feeling, unusual bleeding; liver problems symptoms include nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Absence of menstrual cycles, weakness, or temporary hair loss are examples of common adverse effects that may occur.