What you need to know about Melphalan tablets, a cancer treatment

It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when your doctor prescribes a medicine called Melphalan for you or someone in your family. When we hear the word " cancer medicine," we all cringe a little. But don't be afraid. Being properly informed about any treatment is the best step to successfully going through that journey. So today, let's talk very simply and kindly about this medicine called Melphalan. As if your own friend, a doctor, were explaining it to you.

Simply put, what is Melphalan?

Melphalan is a chemotherapy drug that fights cancer cells . To be precise, it slows down the growth of cancer cells, that is, the rate at which they divide and multiply. In this way, its main function is to control cancer cells.

This medicine is mainly used to treat:

• For ovarian cancer .
• Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that develops in the bone marrow .

Sometimes doctors may use this medicine for other types of cancer as well. In Sri Lanka, you may find this medicine under the brand name `Alkeran`.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

This is very important. This medicine may interact with some conditions in your body. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor before starting the medicine. Do not hide these things, because it is very important for your safety.

What is the best way to use this medicine?

The most important thing is to take the exact dosage as your doctor tells you.

• Take these pills with a glass of water.
• The most important thing is to take this medicine on an empty stomach. That means at least one hour before or two hours after a meal . Do not take it with food. Taking it with food can reduce the absorption of the medicine into the body.
• Try to take your medicine at the same time every day, as much as possible. This will help keep the levels of the medicine in your body consistent.
• Don't stop taking your medication until your doctor says, "Enough, stop."

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you suddenly forget to take a dose, don't worry. Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Never take two pills at once to make up for a forgotten dose.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital .

What other things can interact with this medicine?

Melphalan is a powerful drug. Therefore, it may interact with other medications. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements .

Things you should be especially careful about when taking the medicine

Cancer treatment can be a challenging time, but if you keep these things in mind, you can manage it more easily.

Feeling unwell

Chemotherapy works by killing cells that divide rapidly. Cancer cells are cells that divide rapidly. But some healthy cells in our body (for example, hair cells, cells in the lining of the mouth, blood cells) also divide rapidly. So these drugs also affect those healthy cells. That's why you may feel uncomfortable, tired, or nauseous. This is normal. But tell your doctor about any side effects you experience. Don't stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice just because it's uncomfortable.

Beware of infections!

This is very important. Melphalan weakens your body's immune system . This means it reduces the number of white blood cells that fight disease. So you can get infections very easily.

• If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat , or cough , call your doctor immediately. Do not self-medicate.
• Reduce going to crowded places.
• Stay away from people who are sick (with a fever, cold).
• Wash your hands often with soap.

Watch out for bleeding and bruising.

This medicine can also reduce the number of platelets, which are cells that help blood clot. Therefore,

• If even a small wound continues to bleed,
• If you develop blue bruises all over your body for no reason,
• If your gums are bleeding,

Inform your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility

This applies to both men and women.

• During pregnancy: If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, your unborn baby may have very serious birth defects. Therefore, it is imperative to use a very reliable form of birth control while taking the medicine and for as long as your doctor recommends after stopping.
• For men: If you are taking Melphalan, make sure your partner is protected from pregnancy. It is very important to use a condom during sex during this time.
• Breastfeeding: Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine.
• Fertility: This medicine may affect your ability to have children (fertility). If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor before starting treatment.

Side effects of the medicine

Like any medicine, Melphalan can cause side effects. Some require immediate attention, while others usually subside over time.

How do you keep your medicine safe?

• Be sure to keep it out of the reach of children and pets .
• This medicine should be kept in the refrigerator .
• Keep it in a place where light does not fall on it .
• Do not use expired medicine.
• Ask your doctor or hospital clinic how to safely dispose of unused or expired medications.