Melphalan injection
Melphalan injection
What is this medicine?
MELPHALAN (MEL fa lan) is a chemotherapy drug. This medicine is used to treat multiple myeloma. It is also used prior to a stem cell transplant in patients with multiple myeloma.
How should I use this medicine?
This drug is is for infusion into a vein. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
blurred vision
diarrhea
dizziness
fast heartbeat
low blood counts - this medicine may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding.
missed menstrual periods
mouth sores
nausea, vomiting
signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine
signs of decreased red blood cells - unusually weak or tired, fainting spells, lightheadedness
signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin
weight loss
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation
hair loss
tiredness
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with the following medication:
nalidixic acid
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
carmustine
cisplatin
cyclosporine
live vaccines
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
infection
kidney disease
liver disease
low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy
an unusual or allergic reaction to melphalan, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.
In some cases, you may be given additional medicines to help with side effects. Follow all directions for their use.
Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.
Talk to your doctor about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medicine.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for a while after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Men should not father a child while taking this medicine and for a while after stopping it. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.
This medicine has caused ovarian failure in some women. This medicine may interfere with the ability to have a child. This medicine has caused reduced sperm counts in some men. This may interfere with the ability to father a child. You should talk with your doctor or health care professional if you are concerned about your fertility.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018