Alphalan Tablets, Melphalan Natco

ABOUT ALPHALAN

Alphalan is one of a group of drugs called alkylating agents.
It sticks to one of the cancer cell’s DNA strands. DNA is the genetic code that
is in the nucleus of all animal and plant cells. It controls everything the
cell does. The cell cannot then grow and divide into 2 new cells.

MEDICINAL USES:

Melphalan is used to treat multiple myeloma (a type of blood
cancer), advanced breast cancer and cancer of the ovary. This medicine treats
only the symptoms of ovarian cancer or multiple myeloma, but does not treat the
cancer itself.

MELPHALAN SIDE EFFECTS:

Bone marrow suppression–sudden weakness or ill feeling,
fever, chills, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, red or pink urine, painful
mouth sores, cough, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed, rapid heart rate;
inflammation of your blood vessels–numbness or tingling, red
skin rash, unusual lumps or masses, fever, weight loss, muscle or joint pain,
tired feeling, unusual bleeding.
Liver problems–nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of
appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice yellowing of the skin or
eyes.

ALPHALAN MELPHALAN TABLETS PRECAUTIONS:

·        
Alphalan may
lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people
who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection
like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.

·        
Do not receive a
live vaccine while you are taking Melphalan. Talk with your doctor before you
receive any vaccine.

·        
Use of Alphalan
may increase your risk of developing another type of cancer. The risk may be
greater if you use higher doses of this medicine or if you use it for a longer
period of time. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

·        
Alphalan may
affect the ovaries. This may cause irregular or absent menstrual periods and
decreased fertility in some women. Discuss any questions or concerns with your
doctor.

·        
Alphalan may
affect the testicles and cause decreased fertility in some men. This may be
permanent in some patients. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

·        
PREGNANCY and Breast-feeding:
Melphalan has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant
while taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor.

·        
 You will need to discuss the benefits and
risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. It is unknown if Generic
Melphalan is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking it.

STORAGE REQUIREMENTS:

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other
medicines, especially any of the following:

Cisplatin
because the risk of Melphalan’s side effects may be increased
Carmustine (BCNU), cyclosporine, or nalidixic acid because
serious lung, kidney, or bowel problems may occur
Palifermin because if mouth or tongue sores develop, they may
be more severe or last longer

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may
occur. Ask your health care provider if Melphalan may interact with other
medicines that you take.