💊 DESCRIPTION
Melphalan 5 mg Tablets are oral alkylating chemotherapy agents used primarily to treat multiple myeloma and ovarian cancer, and sometimes in the preparative regimen before bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
- Generic Name: Melphalan
- Strength: 5 mg per tablet
- Route: Oral
- Drug Class: Alkylating agent (nitrogen mustard derivative)
- Common Brands: Alkeran®, Melphalan Tablets IP
✅ ADVANTAGES
- Potent anti-cancer activity against blood and certain solid tumors
- Oral dosing improves convenience vs. IV form
- Useful for long-term maintenance in multiple myeloma
- Can be used in both curative and palliative settings
- Available in multiple strengths (2 mg, 5 mg) for flexible dosing
🌿 NATURE / MECHANISM
- Alkylating agent: Binds to DNA via alkylation, forming cross-links between DNA strands
- Disrupts DNA replication and RNA transcription, leading to cell death
- Active against rapidly dividing cancer cells
- Not cell cycle-specific but most active in S phase
- Structural analog of phenylalanine
⚠️ PRECAUTIONS
- Bone marrow suppression is dose-limiting:
- Risk of leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia
- Monitor CBC regularly
- Gastrointestinal side effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur
- Hypersensitivity reactions: Rash, fever, or anaphylaxis (rare)
- Risk of secondary malignancy, especially leukemia with long-term use
- Use cautiously in renal impairment – may require dose adjustment
- Avoid pregnancy – melphalan is teratogenic
- Do not combine with live vaccines
- Use caution in elderly or debilitated patients
🧊 STORAGE
- Store at room temperature (20–25°C)
- Protect from moisture, heat, and direct light
- Keep in original packaging to maintain stability
- Do not refrigerate or freeze
- Keep out of reach of children
👨⚕️ PATIENT ADVICE
- Take exactly as prescribed, with or without food
- Swallow whole with a full glass of water – do not crush or chew
- Wash hands after handling tablets
- Report symptoms such as:
- Bleeding or bruising
- Fever, sore throat, or signs of infection
- Mouth ulcers or persistent nausea
- Avoid pregnancy – use effective contraception during treatment
- Avoid close contact with sick people and get regular blood counts
- Do not self-adjust dose or discontinue without consulting your doctor
📦 PACKAGING
- Usually comes in blister strips or HDPE bottles
- Each tablet is marked with dosage and product code
- Outer box includes:
- Product name: Melphalan Tablets 5 mg
- Cytotoxic warning: “Handle with care”
- Manufacturer details, batch number, and expiry
- Leaflet included with handling precautions and safety guidelines