Alkeran

Alkeran

melphalan

Manufacturer:

Aspen

Distributor:

Zuellig Pharma
Concise Prescribing Info
Contents
Melphalan
Indications/Uses
Tab: Multiple myeloma, advanced ovarian adenocarcinoma, breast carcinoma, polycythaemia rubra vera. Inj: Localised malignant melanoma & soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities; multiple myeloma, advanced ovarian adenocarcinoma, advanced neuroblastoma in childhood.
Dosage/Direction for Use
Tab Multiple myeloma 0.15 mg/kg daily in divided doses for 4 days repeated at 6-wk intervals. Advanced ovarian adenocarcinoma 0.2 mg/kg daily for 5 days every 4-8 wk. Breast carcinoma 0.15 mg/kg or 6 mg/m2 daily for 5 days & repeated every 6 wk. Polycythaemia rubra vera Remission induction: 6-10 mg daily for 5-7 days, then 2-4 mg daily until satisfactory disease control is achieved. Maintenance: 2-6 mg once wkly. Inj Multiple myeloma Intermittent basis alone or in combination w/ other cytotoxic drugs: 8-30 mg/m2 given at 2-6 wk intervals. Monotherapy: 0.4 mg/kg IV repeated at appropriate intervals. Advanced ovarian adenocarcinoma Monotherapy: 1 mg/kg given at 4-wk intervals. Combination therapy: 0.3-0.4 mg/kg given at 4-6 wk intervals. Advanced neuroblastoma in childhood 100-240 mg/m2 together w/ hematopoietic stem cell rescue, alone or in combination w/ RT &/or other cytotoxic drugs.
Administration
Should be taken on an empty stomach: Take 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals. Swallow whole, do not break/crush.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity. Tab: Lactation.
Special Precautions
Patients who recently undergone RT or chemotherapy. Amyloidosis, malignant melanoma, multiple myeloma, macroglobulinaemia, cold agglutinin syndrome, ovarian cancer; chromosome aberrations. Monitor blood counts frequently. Not recommended w/ live organism vaccines immunisation. Renal impairment. Possibility of irreversible infertility in men. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception. Avoid use during pregnancy. Not to be used during lactation. Elderly. Tab: Second primary malignancy; AML & myelodysplastic syndromes. Not recommended w/ OCs. Men should not father a child during & up to 6 mth after last dose. Inj: Not to be given by direct inj into peripheral vein.
Adverse Reactions
Bone marrow depression leading to leucopenia, thrombocytopenia & anaemia; nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea; stomatitis & alopecia (high dose); muscle atrophy & fibrosis, myalgia, increased blood creatine phosphokinase; feeling hot &/or application site paraesthesia. Compartment syndrome; increased blood urea. Tab: Pyrexia.
Drug Interactions
Haemorrhagic enterocolitis w/ nalidixic acid. Impaired renal function w/ cyclosporin. Not recommended w/ live organism vaccines.
MIMS Class
Cytotoxic Chemotherapy
ATC Classification
L01AA03 - melphalan ; Belongs to the class of alkylating agents, nitrogen mustard analogues. Used in the treatment of cancer.
Presentation/Packing
Form
Alkeran FC tab 2 mg
Packing/Price
25's
Form
Alkeran tab 5 mg
Packing/Price
25's
Form
Alkeran inj 50 mg
Packing/Price
1's
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