ALPHALAN-MELPHALAN
Alphalan is a chemotherapy drug which contains melphalan, and is mainly used for treating multiple myeloma, melanoma, ovarian and breast cancer. The medicine is an alkylating agent of the bi schloroethylamine type. It is useful against both resting as well as rapidly dividing tumor cells. Alphalan is used for palliative treatment of multiple myeloma and for the palliation of non-respectable epithelial carcinoma of the ovary. The medicine works by slowing down or stopping the growth of cancer cells in the body.

Supplied as:
Available as 2 mg and 5 mg tablets.

Precautions and warnings:

• Should not be taken without consulting the doctor if the patient has kidney disease and decreased bone marrow (from other diseases or medications)
• Do not take any vaccinations (measles or flu shots) without consulting the doctor
• Not recommended for patients who are allergic to the medicine or its constituents
• Should not be used by pregnant women as the medicine may harm the unborn baby

Drug interactions:
The following drugs react with the medicine:

• Nalidixic acid or cyclosporine- Serious intestinal or kidney problems
• Cimetidine- Decreased GI absorption of melphalan
• Steroids
• Digoxin
• Phenytoin
• Probenicid
• Sulfinpyrazole

Side effects:

• Hair loss
• Nausea; vomiting, severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
• Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools
• Chest pain; dark urine; diarrhoea
• Fainting; fatigue; fever or chills
• Irregular or absent menstrual periods;
• Joint pain, lower back or side pain, numbness of an arm or leg; pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site
• Shortness of breath

Note: Alphalan is a prescription drug and should be used under proper medical guidance and advice. Do not share the medicine with others, since they may be suffering from a problem that is not effectively treated by this drug.