General English name: Melphalan
Brand: Alkeran
Application: Multiple myeloma – Vera polycythemia
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Melphalan Medication Information
Medication Information: Honeysuckle is used to treat some cancers and conditions in which cells grow rapidly in the body. Therefore, they are often prescribed in diseases such as multiple myeloma and polycythemia vera (excessive increase of blood cells). Multiple myeloma is a bone marrow cancer. Polycythemia is a bone marrow disease that results in an abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells in the body. This makes your blood thicker and makes you feel dizzy and short of breath.
In such diseases, certain cells in the body grow and multiply too fast. The effect of honeysuckle is to prevent cell proliferation and reduce the number of cancer cells or unwanted blood cells.
Contraindications to Melphalan
- Pay attention to the expiration date of melphalan medicine and do not take it if the medicine in your hand has expired.
- If you feel an infection or fever, be sure to see your doctor for medication.
Never give melphalan to anyone else, even if you have the same symptoms.
- Do not take more than the dose prescribed by your doctor.
Drug interaction of Melphalan
Drug interactions may alter drug performance and increase the risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the medicines (including prescription / over-the-counter medicines and herbal products) you use and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change the dose of your medicine without consulting your doctor or stop taking the medicine.
Nalidixic acid may interact with melphalan.
Tips to consider before taking Melphalan
Some medications are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and some medications may be prescribed if additional treatment is needed; Therefore, it is better for your doctor to be aware of the following before taking Melphalan:
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
- If you have a kidney problem.
- If you have an infection and feel sick.
- If you have an inherited blood problem called porphyria.
- If you are currently taking certain medications. These medicines include all the medicines available, whether you are prescribed them or taking them without a doctor’s prescription, such as herbal medicines and complementary medicines.
- If you have a history of an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Possible side effects of Melphalan
Medications used to treat cancer can have side effects that may occur a few days or weeks after taking the medication. Most chemotherapy drugs can reduce the number of white blood cells, which increases the risk of infection in the body. When taking melphalan, you should take precautions to reduce the risk of infection, for example, avoid dealing with sick and infected people. If you feel an infection or a fever, be sure to see a doctor right away.
All medications can cause side effects; But many consumers also do not experience any side effects. In case of persistent side effects, the doctor should be informed:
Common side effects: fever, symptoms of infection, feeling sick, getting sick, diarrhea
Rare side effects: Hair loss, various levels of urea in the blood, mouth ulcers
Consult your doctor if you have any other symptoms that you feel are due to the use of melphalan.
How to store Melphalan
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Melphalan should be stored in a dry place at a temperature of 2-8 ° C.