Treats symptoms of plasma cell cancer (multiple myeloma).
Brand Names:
Alkeran IV
Contraindications:
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to melphalan or if you are pregnant.
Uses:
Injectable
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
Do not get this medicine in your eyes, mouth, or nose or on your skin. Tell your caregiver right away if this happens.
This medicine may work slowly over several months. For the medicine to work best, keep taking it for as long as your doctor tells you to.
You may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.
Storage:
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Tell your doctor if you have ever been treated with radiation or other cancer medicines.
Warnings:
Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before using this medicine. Some men and women using this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease.
This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
Some people using this medicine have developed a second form of cancer, even years after stopping the medicine. Talk to your doctor about this risk.
Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Cancer medicines can cause nausea and vomiting in most people, sometimes even after receiving medicines to prevent it. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these side effects.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blood in your urine or stools
Fever, chills, cough
Light-headedness, fainting, or seizures
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach
New lumps or growths under your skin
Pain, swelling, blisters, or sores where the IV needle is placed
Skin rash
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Yellow skin or eyes
Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
