Uses
This medication is used for combination treatment of a certain type of cancer (multiple myeloma). Melphalan flufenamide belongs to a class of drugs known as alkylating agents. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Melphalan flufenamide is not for use to prepare for transplant.
How To Use
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using melphalan flufenamide and each time you receive this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually on day 1 of each 28-day cycle. The injection is given by a health care professional, usually over 30 minutes. The dosage and treatment schedule are based on your medical condition, lab tests, and response to treatment.
You should receive this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or loss of appetite may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
Although melphalan flufenamide is used to treat cancer, it may rarely increase your risk of developing other cancers. Also, melphalan flufenamide may cause a severe decrease in your blood cells, which lowers your ability to fight infections and increases the risk of anemia/bleeding problems. You may be more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or any infection you have may get worse. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual growths or lumps, swollen glands, signs of infection (such as a sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills, cough), easy or unusual bruising/bleeding, or unusual tiredness.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using melphalan flufenamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to melphalan; or to chlorambucil; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- bleeding/blood problems
- radiation treatment
Melphalan flufenamide can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using melphalan flufenamide before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (such as prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
This medication can affect fertility in both males and females. Ask your doctor for more details.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your doctor may order a pregnancy test before starting this medication. You should not become pregnant while you are using melphalan flufenamide. Melphalan flufenamide may harm an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 6 months after the last dose. Men with female partners of childbearing age should use reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 3 months after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug and for 1 week after the last dose is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Melphalan flufenamide is very similar to melphalan. Do not use medications containing melphalan while using melphalan flufenamide.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Missed Dose
It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
