Before taking this medicine

ALKERAN (melphalan) requires careful administration due to risks of severe bone marrow suppression and hypersensitivity reactions.

Precautions for Use of ALKERAN (Melphalan)

ALKERAN (melphalan) should be administered under the supervision of a physician experienced in cancer chemotherapy due to the risk of severe side effects, primarily bone marrow suppression. Regular monitoring of platelet counts, white blood cells, and hemoglobin is essential to adjust dosages and minimize risks. If bone marrow suppression is observed, therapy should be paused until recovery. Hypersensitivity reactions, including rare cases of anaphylaxis, can occur, particularly after multiple courses of treatment, and the drug should not be re-administered if such reactions develop. Additionally, patients with prior resistance to melphalan or hypersensitivity to the drug should not use it.