Health Library

Melphalan (By injection)

Melphalan (MEL-fa-lan)

Treats multiple myeloma and uveal melanoma (eye cancer).

Brand Name(s):

Hepzato

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• A doctor or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle placed into a vein or an artery.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how melphalan works. Tell your doctor if you are using cisplatin, cyclosporine, nalidixic acid, or blood pressure medicine, or if you are receiving radiation treatment.
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines. Avoid live vaccines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before receiving this medicine. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Males who are receiving this medicine, with female partners who can become pregnant, must use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 1 week after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or any infection.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Bleeding problems
  • Liver problems
  • Blood clots
  • Increased risk for other types of cancer (including myeloproliferative syndrome, acute leukemia)
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Women may stop having menstrual periods temporarily.
• Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain, coughing up blood, trouble breathing
• Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Muscle or bone pain
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Sores or ulcers on your lips or mouth, trouble swallowing
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea or vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain or upset
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
• Weight loss

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024