Melphalan can cause a decrease in the number of blood cells in your bone marrow. Your doctor will order tests before, during, and after your treatment to see if your blood cells are affected by this drug.
Melphalan has been associated with the development of other types of cancers. Talk with your doctor about the potential risk of developing a new cancer.
Your doctor has ordered the drug melphalan to help treat your illness. The drug can be taken as tablets by mouth on an empty stomach or it can be given by injection into a vein.
multiple myeloma
ovarian carcinoma
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Melphalan is in a class of drugs known as alkylating agents; it slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.
Melphalan is also used in the treatment of breast cancer, polycythemia vera, amyloidosis, scleromyxedema, chronic myelogenous leukemia, osteogenic sarcoma, advanced prostatic carcinoma, and testicular seminoma. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
loss of appetite or weight
weakness
blistering skin or acne
mouth blistering
fatigue
unusual bruising or bleeding
black, tarry stools
red urine
cough
sore throat
congestion
difficulty breathing
fever
dizziness
chills
shortness of breath
rash or itching
nausea and vomiting
missed menstrual periods
yellowing of the skin or eyes
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep melphalan in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Drink plenty of fluids and urinate frequently during your treatment.
Last Reviewed - 04/01/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.