Alkeran (Melphalan)

What is Alkeran?

Alkeran (melphalan) is meant for cancer treatment. It belongs to a group of drugs called alkylating agents.

What is Alkeran used for?

Alkeran is recommended for treating certain types of cancer including multiple myeloma, breast and ovarian cancer.

How does Alkeran work?

Alkeran works by hindering the growth of cancer cells and keeping them from spreading in the body.

How to use Alkeran

Alkeran is an oral medication which is recommended to be taken once daily or as suggested by the doctor. In most cases, it is advised to be taken on empty stomach.

The dosage schedule of Alkeran is different for everyone. It is decided on the basis of medical condition, patient’s response to the treatment and on the blood counts. While some patients are advised to take the medication for several weeks and then take a gap before starting the medication again, others are recommended for taking Alkeran medication for a few days and likewise take a break and thereafter follow the routine. Before starting the medication course you should know how to take the medication properly to yield best benefits as also to reduce the chances of any side effects.

Alkeran warnings and precautions

Inform your doctor about your medical history especially about any allergies to chlorambucil or diseases that you may have especially blood problems like bone marrow depression, previous cancer chemotherapy, radiation treatment, kidney problems.

Do not undergo any immunization or vaccination without consulting the doctor.

Avoid meeting with people who have received flu vaccine inhaled through the nose or oral polio vaccine. You should also avoid engaging in contact sports.

You might feel nauseated or even experience vomiting but do not stop taking medication without the consent of the doctor. In case you vomit right after taking the dose of medication, consult your doctor immediately.

It is recommended to follow the dose prescribed by the doctor and not to overdo it by taking it more often as it might lead to side effects.

During pregnancy, women should avoid taking the drug. Since the medication can be absorbed by skin and lungs also pregnant women or lactating mothers should make it a point to stay away from the drug. Once you have started Alkeran course, consult the doctor to opt for best birth control contraceptive.

What do I do if I have missed a Alkeran dose?

If you have missed your Alkeran dose, consult your doctor for advice.

What do I do if I have taken a Alkeran overdose?

If you have taken an Alkeran overdose you should seek medical help.

Alkeran interactions

Before starting the treatment with Alkeran, inform the health care provider about prescribed, non prescribed and herbal dosages that you are on. The effects of some of the drugs may change when taken along with Alkeran.

Do not take Alkeran while you are taking nalidixic acid.

Consult your health care provider before starting the use of Alkeran while you are on cimetidine or cyclosporine.

Alkeran side effects

Alkeran side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lip/mouth sores, and loss of appetite. You may also experience temporary hair loss.

However consult the doctor immediately in case any serious side effects like bruising/bleeding, bloody/black/tarry stools, lower back or side pain, decreased or missed menstrual periods, decreased sexual function, pinkish urine, painful/difficult urination, or unusual weight loss.

Swelling of eyelids, oozing or discharge from the eye, increased sensitivity to light, headache, fever, skin peeling, red skin rash, sore throat,  pale skin, bruising, chest pain, stomach ache, bleeding, and jaundice are also some other side effects from Alkeran.