Melphalan (Intravenous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 14, 2022.
Alkeran(R): Melphalan should be administered under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Severe bone marrow suppression with resulting infection or bleeding may occur. Controlled trials comparing intravenous (IV) to oral melphalan have shown more myelosuppression with the IV formulation. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred in approximately 2% of patients who received the IV formulation. Melphalan is leukemogenic in humans. Melphalan produces chromosomal aberrations in vitro and in vivo and, therefore, should be considered potentially mutagenic in humans
Intravenous route(Powder for Solution)Evomela(TM): Severe bone marrow suppression with resulting infection or bleeding may occur. Controlled trials have shown more myelosuppression with the IV formulation than the oral formulation. Monitor hematologic laboratory parameters. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred in patients who received the IV formulation of melphalan hydrochloride. Discontinue treatment with melphalan hydrochloride for serious hypersensitivity reactions. Melphalan produces chromosomal aberrations in vitro and in vivo. Melphalan hydrochloride should be considered potentially leukemogenic in humans .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Alkeran IV
- Evomela
Available Dosage Forms:
- Powder for Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Alkylating Agent
Chemical Class: Nitrogen Mustard
Uses for melphalan
Melphalan injection is used to treat multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer) before receiving a stem cell transplant (conditioning treatment). Melphalan belongs to the group of medicines called alkylating agents (cancer medicines). It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body. Since the growth of normal cells may also be affected by melphalan, other unwanted effects will also occur. Before you begin treatment with melphalan, talk to your doctor about the benefits as well as the risks of using it.
Melphalan is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using melphalan
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For melphalan, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to melphalan or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of melphalan injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of melphalan injection in the elderly.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for det
