Alkeran
Information
Melphalan (MEL-fa-lan) belongs to the group of medicines called alkylating agents. It is used to treat cancer of the ovaries and a certain type of cancer in the bone marrow.
Alkeran
Dirctions
The dose of melphalan will be different for different patients. The dose that is used may depend on a number of things, including what the medicine is being used for, the patient's weight, whether the medicine is being given by mouth or by injection, and whether or not other medicines are also being taken. If you are taking or receiving melphalan at home, follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . If you have any questions about the proper dose of melphalan, ask your doctor.
Missed dose-If you miss a dose of this medicine, do not take the missed dose at all and do not double the next one. Instead, go back to your regular dosing schedule and check with your doctor.
Alkeran
Side Effects
Along with their needed effects, medicines like melphalan can sometimes cause unwanted effects such as blood problems and other side effects. These and others are described below. Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These delayed effects may include certain types of cancer, such as leukemia. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.
Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; cough or hoarseness, accompanied by fever or chills; fast or irregular heart beat; fever or chills; lower back or side pain, accompanied by fever or chills; painful or difficult urination, accompanied by fever or chills; pinpoint red spots on skin; redness and/or soreness at the infusion site; shortness of breath; skin rash or itching (sudden); troubled breathing; unusual bleeding or bruising