ALKERAN

Drug Name: ALKERAN

ALKERAN DESCRIPTION:
MELPHALAN - ORAL (MEL-fuh-lan)

COMMON ALKERAN BRAND NAME(S):
Alkeran

ALKERAN SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects. Taking the medication on an empty stomach with a full glass of water may help relieve vomiting. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Contact your doctor, without delay, if you experience any of the following symptoms: fever, chills, painful or difficult urination, small red spots on the skin, easy bruising or bleeding, black tarry stools, blood in urine or stools, skin rash or itch, swollen feet or lower legs, cough, shortness of breath, sores in mouth or on lips, lower back or side pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ALKERAN:
ALKERAN: This is a potent medication. Take it exactly as prescribed. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while taking ALKERAN. This helps your kidneys to remove the drug from your body and avoid some of the side effects. Do not stop taking ALKERAN, even if you feel nauseated or experience vomiting. If you vomit shortly after a dose, or if you miss a dose, contact your doctor.

ALKERAN WARNING:
Melphalan can cause a decrease in the body's blood cells (bone marrow suppression), and can cause blood cell cancer (e.g., leukemia). Notify your doctor immediately if you develop easy bleeding or bruising, unusual fatigue, or signs of an infection such as persistent sore throat or fever.

ALKERAN USES:
Melphalan is used to treat certain types of cancer.

ALKERAN PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have pre-existing kidney disease or any blood disorders. Contraceptive (birth control) measures are recommended for use in men and women while taking ALKERAN. Melphalan is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using ALKERAN. It is not known if ALKERAN passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take.

ALKERAN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and intestinal bleeding.

ALKERAN NOTES:
ALKERAN can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, sore throat, rash, or chills. Avoid touching your eyes or inside your nose without first washing your hands. Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine. Regular doctor visits are important. Frequent blood tests will be done to monitor therapy.

MISSED ALKERAN DOSE:
If you miss a dose, do not take the missed dose at all and do not "double-up" the next dose. Instead, resume your usual dosing schedule and check with your doctor.

ALKERAN STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture, heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.