Alkeran - Melphalan - Oral Brand Drug

General Information

• Below is miscellaneous information regarding Alkeran.
• Alkeran
• MEL-fuh-lan

Possible Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting may occur.
• Taking the medication on an empty stomach with a full glass of water may help relieve vomiting.
• Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects.
• In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.
• If nausea and vomiting persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
• Contact your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur.

What To Do In Case Of Missed Dose

• If you miss a dose, do not take the missed dose at all and do not "double-up" the next dose.
• Instead, resume your usual dosing schedule and check with your doctor.

Alkeran Storage Instructions

• Different brands of this medication have different storage requirements.
• Refer to package labeling or consult your pharmacist for the storage requirements of the brand you are using.

Overdose

• If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
• Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and intestinal bleeding.

Drug Compatibility Recommendations

• Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use.
• Do not stop or start any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Warning

• Melphalan can cause a decrease in the body's blood cells (bone marrow suppression), and can cause blood cell cancer (for example, leukemia).
• Notify your doctor immediately if you develop easy bleeding or bruising, unusual fatigue, or signs of an infection such as persistent sore throat or fever.

Alkeran Miscellaneous Notes

• This medication can lower your body's ability to fight an infection.
• Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• Avoid touching your eyes or inside your nose without first washing your hands.
• Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured.
• Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.
• Regular doctor visits are important.
• Frequent blood tests will be done to monitor therapy.

Medicinal Applications

• Melphalan is used to treat certain types of cancer.

Usage Instructions

• This is a potent medication.
• Take it exactly as prescribed.
• Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.
• This helps your kidneys to remove the drug from your body and avoid some of the side effects.
• Do not stop taking this medication, even if you feel nauseated or experience vomiting.
• If you vomit shortly after a dose, or if you miss a dose, contact your doctor.

Read Before Using Alkeran (precautions)

• Tell your doctor if you have.

What To Do In Case Of Medical Emergency

• Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency.
• For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).