Let's learn about Melphalan Flufenamide Injection, a cancer treatment?

When your doctor told you or a loved one that you have a cancer called ' Multiple Myeloma ', did he also tell you that you need to start a treatment called Melphalan Flufenamide Injection? It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when you hear a name like this. But don't be afraid. Today, we'll talk very simply and friendly about this medicine, what it does, and what we need to be careful about. This article will answer many of the questions you have in mind.

Simply put, what is Melphalan Flufenamide?

This is a medicine that destroys cancer cells . In medicine, we call this chemotherapy . Specifically, this medicine is used to treat Multiple Myeloma , a type of cancer that occurs in the plasma cells that form in our bone marrow.

Imagine that our body is like a beautiful garden. Sometimes unwanted weeds grow in this garden that damage the garden. Cancer cells are like that. They are not like normal cells, they divide very quickly and spread throughout the body without control. This drug called Melphalan Flufenamide seeks out those rapidly dividing cancer cells, attacks them, and stops their growth. It's like spraying a herbicide and destroying weeds. But in this process, some good cells may also be slightly affected. That's why side effects occur. We'll talk about that later.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this treatment

This is very important. Your doctor needs to have a complete picture of your health before prescribing any medication. So, be sure to tell them these things without hiding anything.

How will this medicine be given to you?

This is not a medicine that you can take home. This is an injection into a vein . That means it is given in a hospital or clinic by trained medical staff. They put a cannula into your vein and through it they slowly inject this medicine into your body with a bottle of saline.

Follow your doctor's instructions exactly on the day you are given this medicine. Sometimes, other medicines (such as anti-nausea medicines) may be given before you take this medicine to reduce side effects.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

This is given in a hospital setting so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you have taken too much of the medicine, inform the staff immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . In an emergency, go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .

Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)

You should tell your doctor about every medication you take, whether it's a vitamin, a nutritional supplement , or even a Sinhala medicine. Some medications can cause problems when combined with Melphalan Flufenamide.

• Live vaccines: You should avoid getting live vaccines during this time because your immune system is weakened by chemotherapy, and you may get sick from those vaccines.
• Other medications: These can interact with certain medications, especially carmustine, cisplatin, and cyclosporine. It's best to give your doctor a list of all the medications you take.

Also, if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs, talk to your doctor about it honestly.

Things we need to pay attention to during treatment

It's normal to feel a little uncomfortable and lifeless during chemotherapy. This is because, as we mentioned earlier, these drugs not only affect cancer cells, but also healthy cells that divide rapidly in our bodies (e.g., hair cells, cells inside our mouths, blood cells).

• Risk of infection: This medicine can reduce the number of white blood cells in your blood. White blood cells are like the army of our body. They fight germs. So when they are low, you are more likely to get sick and get infections.
• If you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough, runny nose, or burning when urinating, do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately.
• Reduce going to crowded places.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

• Bleeding risk: This medication can also reduce the number of platelets, which help blood clot. Therefore, even a minor cut may take longer to stop bleeding.
• If you develop unusual bruising (blue spots) on your body, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, blood in your stool (black stools), or red/dark brown urine, tell your doctor immediately.
• When brushing your teeth, use a soft brush.
• Stay away from activities that can cause cuts and scratches.

• Pregnancy and Fertility: This is very important.
• Women: You should avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping treatment. Talk to your doctor about using appropriate birth control.
• Men: You should avoid fathering a child while taking this medication and for 3 months after stopping treatment.
• Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby during treatment and for one week after stopping.
• This medicine may affect your ability to have children in the future. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor before starting treatment.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Not everyone gets all side effects. Some people may not even notice anything. However, it's important to be aware of these things.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.