Alkeran: Side Effects & Dosing

Concise Prescribing Info Full Prescribing Info Contents Description Action Indications/Uses Dosage/Direction for Use Overdosage Contraindications Special Precautions Use In Pregnancy & Lactation Adverse Reactions Drug Interactions Caution For Usage Storage MIMS Class ATC Classification Regulatory Classification Presentation/Packing

Concise Prescribing Info

Contents

Melphalan

Indications/Uses

FC 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.

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Dosage/Direction for Use

FC 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. IV 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 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 w/ hematopoietic stem cell rescue alone or in combination w/ RT &/or other cytotoxic drugs.

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Overdosage

View Alkeran overdosage for action to be taken in the event of an overdose.

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. Lactation.

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Special Precautions

Amyloidosis, malignant melanoma, multiple myeloma, macroglobulinaemia, cold agglutinin syndrome, ovarian cancer; 2nd primary malignancy; AML & myelodysplastic syndromes; chromosome aberrations. Patients who recently undergone RT or chemotherapy. Monitor blood counts frequently. Not recommended w/ live organism vaccines immunization, lenalidomide, thalidomide, prednisone, dexamethasone, combined OCs. Renal impairment. May affect fertility. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception. Men should not father a child during & up to 6 mth after last dose. Avoid use during pregnancy. Not to be used during lactation. Elderly. Inj: Not to be given by direct inj into peripheral vein. Avoid possible extravasation.

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Use In Pregnancy & Lactation

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Adverse Reactions

Bone marrow depression leading to leucopenia, thrombocytopenia & anaemia; nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (high dose), stomatitis; alopecia; muscle atrophy & fibrosis, myalgia, increased blood creatine phosphokinase; feeling hot &/or application site paraesthesia; pyrexia. Compartment syndrome; increased blood urea.

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Drug Interactions

Haemorrhagic enterocolitis w/ nalidixic acid. Impaired renal function w/ cyclosporin. Not recommended w/ live organism vaccines.

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Caution For Usage

For caution against possible variation of physical aspect of medicine... Click to view Alkeran detailed prescribing information

Storage

View Alkeran storage conditions for details to ensure optimal shelf-life.

Description

View Alkeran description for details of the chemical structure and excipients (inactive components).

Action

View Alkeran mechanism of action for pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics details.

MIMS Class

Cytotoxic Chemotherapy

ATC Classification

L01AA03 - melphalan ; Belongs to the class of alkylating agents, nitrogen mustard analogues. Used in the treatment of cancer.

Regulatory Classification

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

Alkeran

melphalan

Manufacturer:

Aspen

Distributor:

Zuellig Pharma