Alkeran Use In Pregnancy & Lactation

Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation: The teratogenic potential of Melphalan has not been studied. In view of its mutagenic properties and structural similarity to known teratogenic compounds, it is possible that melphalan could cause congenital defects in the offspring of patients treated with the drug.
As with all cytotoxic chemotherapy, adequate contraceptive precautions should be practised when either partner is receiving Melphalan.
The use of melphalan should be avoided whenever possible during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester. In any individual case the potential hazard to the foetus must be balanced against the expected benefit to the mother.
Melphalan causes suppression of ovarian function in premenopausal women resulting in amenorrhoea in a significant number of patients.
There is evidence from some animal studies that Melphalan can have an adverse effect on spermatogenesis (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Fertility Studies under Actions). Therefore, it is possible that Melphalan may cause temporary or permanent sterility in male patients.
Mothers receiving Melphalan should not breast-feed.
Inj: It is recommended that men who are receiving treatment with Melphalan not father a child during treatment and up to 6 months afterwards and that they have a consultation on sperm preservation before treatment due to the possibility of irreversible infertility as a result of Melphalan treatment.