Melphalan
About
Melphalan belongs to a class of cytotoxic drugs, also known as chemotherapeutic agents, primarily used to treat various cancer conditions such as Multiple myeloma, Polycythaemia vera, advanced cancer of the ovaries and advanced breast cancer. Cancer is a genetic change in which the body's cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues.
Melphalan contains Melphalan, which reduces the number of abnormal cells your body makes. Thus, it treats cancer efficiently.
Use Melphalan as directed by your doctor. It may cause common side effects, such as a drop in the number of blood cells and platelets, feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting), diarrhoea, mouth ulcers, hair loss and high levels of urea in your blood (in people with kidney problems who are being treated for myeloma). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
Do not take Melphalan if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Melphalan or any of the other ingredients of this medicine. If you have recently undergone chemotherapy or radiotherapy or have kidney disease, let your doctor know before taking this medicine. Melphalan could harm your sperm or eggs. You or your partner must use a reliable form of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking these medications. Seek medical advice from your physician. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before starting the treatment with Melphalan.
Uses of Melphalan
Medicinal Benefits
Melphalan is a cytotoxic medicine, also known as a chemotherapeutic agent, primarily used to treat cancer conditions such as multiple myeloma, polycythaemia vera, advanced ovarian cancer, and advanced breast cancer. Melphalan, present in Melphalan, works by reducing the number of abnormal cells produced by your body. As a result, it effectively treats cancer.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Melphalan
- A drop in the number of blood cells and platelets
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Diarrhoea
- Mouth ulcers
- Hair loss
- High levels of urea in your blood (in people with kidney problems who are being treated for myeloma)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking Melphalan inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while on treatment with Melphalan, inform your doctor. Before taking Melphalan, inform your doctor about your medical history and ongoing therapies to rule out potential adverse effects or interactions. Always take Melphalan as prescribed by your doctor. It's crucial to take your medication as directed. The dosage of this medicine is based on your condition. Your doctor may adjust your dose during therapy based on the results of the treatment. If you are elderly or have kidney issues, the dose may occasionally be altered.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Melphalan may interact with cancer medications (e.g. adalimumab), vaccines (e.g. BCG vaccine, influenza virus vaccine), medications used to treat Multiple Sclerosis (e.g. cladribine), schizophrenia medications (e.g. clozapine), medicines used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (e.g. Deucravacitinib), medicines used to manage and treat autoimmune conditions (e.g. etanercept), antirheumatic drug (e.g. leflunomide).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Melphalan may interact with disease conditions, including infections, myelosuppression (bone marrow doesn't make enough blood cells or platelets), pulmonary pneumonitis (an irritating substance causes the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs to become inflamed)/fibrosis and renal dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Melphalan.
Pregnancy
cautionMelphalan should not be used during pregnancy. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. You or your partner must use a reliable form of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking these medications.
Breast Feeding
cautionMelphalan should not be used in breastfeeding. Discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
cautionIt is unknown whether Melphalan alters the ability to drive, so do not drive or operate machinery if you experience any symptoms affecting your ability to concentrate and react.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Melphalan. Your doctor may titrate the dose if required based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Melphalan. Your doctor may titrate the dose if required based on your condition.
Children
cautionLimited information is available regarding the usage of Melphalan in children, so please consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving both physical and mental health.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
- When you take Melphalan, your doctor will suggest regular blood tests to monitor the count of blood cells.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cancer: Cancer is a genetic change in which the body's cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues. There are two types of cancer: benign (localized) and metastatic (spread to the whole body). Types of cancer include blood, lung, breast, etc. Cancer growth can be prevented by chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell therapy.
Multiple myeloma: Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer affecting white blood cells called plasma cells. These cells collect in the bone marrow and divide uncontrollably, leading to kidney and bone damage. Symptoms include bone pain, loss of appetite, fever, and frequent infections. Generally, multiple myeloma cannot be cured, but the signs and symptoms can be reduced greatly or disappear after a period of time.
Ovarian cancer: Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries (one of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed).
Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in breast cells. Breast cancer may form in lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts of the breast (the pathway that brings milk from glands to the nipple), the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. The tumour cells invade other healthy breast cells and can travel to lymph nodes, a primary pathway for the cancer cells to move to other parts of the body.
FAQs
Melphalan contains Melphalan, which works by reducing the number of abnormal cells your body makes. Thus, it treats cancer efficiently.
While taking Melphalan, make sure to attend all of your doctor's appointments to ensure the therapy is effective. Blood tests and weight checks must be monitored on a regular basis. Both men and women should utilize an effective method of contraception while taking the Melphalan.
Do not stop taking Melphalan on your own. Take Melphalan for as long as your doctor prescribes it, depending on your medical condition. Do not hesitate to speak with your doctor if you experience difficulty taking Melphalan.
Melphalan can cause a significant decrease in the number of blood cells and platelets. Your doctor may suggest laboratory tests before and during the treatment.
