Pronunciation: MEL-fa-lan
Generic Name: Melphalan
Brand Name: Alkeran
Alkeran should only be used under the supervision of a doctor experienced with the use of cancer medicines. Alkeran may cause a decrease in the body's blood cells (bone marrow suppression), which could cause bleeding problems or infection. It may also cause a certain type of blood cell cancer (leukemia). Notify your doctor immediately if you develop unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual fatigue, or signs of an infection (eg, fever, chills, persistent sore throat).
Alkeran is used for:
Treating symptoms of certain types of cancer (multiple myeloma, ovarian cancer). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Alkeran is an alkylating agent. It works by destroying resting and rapidly dividing tumor cells in certain types of cancer.
Do NOT use Alkeran if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Alkeran
- you have used Alkeran before and it did not work
- you have taken or will be taking palifermin within 24 hours before or after taking Alkeran
- you are taking nalidixic acid
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Alkeran:
Some medical conditions may interact with Alkeran. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are able to become pregnant
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have bone marrow problems, low white blood cell count, low platelet count, an infection, kidney problems, shingles, or chickenpox
- if you have had chemotherapy or radiation treatment
- if you have recently had or are scheduled to have a vaccine
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Alkeran. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Cisplatin because the risk of Alkeran's side effects may be increased
- Carmustine (BCNU), cyclosporine, or nalidixic acid because serious lung, kidney, or bowel problems may occur
- Palifermin because if mouth or tongue sores develop, they may be more severe or last longer
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Alkeran may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Alkeran:
Use Alkeran as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Alkeran on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
- If you miss a dose of Alkeran, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Alkeran.
Important safety information:
- Alkeran may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
- Do not receive a live vaccine (eg, measles, mumps) while you are taking Alkeran. Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine.
- Alkeran may reduce the number of blood cells that are needed for clotting. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur.
- If loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting occurs, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for ways to lessen these effects.
- Use of Alkeran may increase your risk of developing another type of cancer. The risk may be greater if you use higher doses of Alkeran or if you use it for a longer period of time. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
- Alkeran may affect the ovaries. This may cause irregular or absent menstrual periods and decreased fertility in some women. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
- Alkeran may affect the testicles and cause decreased fertility in some men. This may be permanent in some patients. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
- Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Alkeran. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Alkeran with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Alkeran has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while taking Alkeran. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Alkeran while you are pregnant. It is not known if Alkeran is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Alkeran.
Possible side effects of Alkeran:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Diarrhea; hair loss; loss of appetite; nausea; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; chest pain; dark urine; fainting; fever or chills; irregular or absent menstrual periods; numbness of an arm or leg; pale stools; persistent cough; persistent loss of appetite; severe or persistent diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting; shortness of breath; sore throat; sores on the mouth, tongue, or lips; stomach pain; sudden, severe headache; swelling of hands, ankles, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual lumps or growths; unusual tiredness or weakness; weight loss; yellowing eyes and skin.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Alkeran side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include diarrhea; severe nausea and vomiting; sores on the mouth, tongue, or lips; symptoms of stomach or bowel bleeding (eg, black, tarry, or bloody stools; vomit that looks like coffee grounds).
Proper storage of Alkeran:
Store Alkeran in the refrigerator, between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Alkeran out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Alkeran, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Alkeran is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Alkeran. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Alkeran resources
- Alkeran Side Effects (in more detail)
- Alkeran Dosage
- Alkeran Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Alkeran Drug Interactions
- Alkeran Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Alkeran - Add your own review/rating
Compare Alkeran with other medications
- Multiple Myeloma
- Ovarian Cancer
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