৳ 8,600/unit
Pack: ৳ 8,600
৳ 8,600/unit
Pack: ৳ 8,600
At a glance
Melphalan is an anti-cancer medication used for multiple myeloma and ovarian cancer. As an alkylating agent, it binds to DNA and RNA of cancer cells to stop their growth and division.
Indications
- Multiple myeloma (palliative treatment and conditioning prior to autologous stem cell transplantation)
- Ovarian cancer
- Breast cancer
Pharmacology
Melphalan forms interstrand cross-links with DNA, likely binding at the N7 position of guanine, inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis and causing cell death.
Dosage
Multiple Myeloma (Oral):
- Palliative: 6 mg/day for 2-3 weeks OR 10 mg/day for 7-10 days OR 0.15 mg/kg/day for 7 days
- Maintenance: 1-3 mg/day or 0.05 mg/kg/day
Conditioning Treatment (IV): 100 mg/m²/day over 30 min IV infusion for 2 days
Ovarian Cancer (Oral): 0.2 mg/kg/day for 5 days; repeat every 4-5 weeks
Side effects
Common Side Effects (≥50%):
- Decreased neutrophil, white blood cell, lymphocyte, and platelet counts
- Diarrhea, nausea
- Fatigue, hypokalemia, anemia, vomiting
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Melphalan is unsafe during pregnancy; evidence of fetal harm (genotoxic, teratogenic). Use effective contraception for 6 months after the last dose.
Precautions & warnings
- Bone marrow suppression (myeloablation) - do not initiate if stem cell product is not available
- GI toxicity - prophylactic antiemetics and supportive care
- Hepatotoxicity - monitor liver chemistries
- Hypersensitivity including anaphylaxis
- Secondary malignancies
- Fetal harm during pregnancy
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause severe nausea, decreased consciousness, convulsions, muscle paralysis, severe mucositis, colitis, GI hemorrhage; bone marrow suppression is the principal toxic effect.
Storage conditions
Store at 25°C (15-30°C excursions permitted); light-sensitive; retain in original carton; handle as hazardous drug.