(Melphalan) Alkeran

Alkeran is one of the older chemotherapy drugs. It has been in use for many years. Alkeran is administered orally in pill form. The most common conditions for which this drug is administered are:

• Multiple Myeloma

• Breast cancer

• Ovarian cancer

• Bone marrow transplantation

The type and extent of a cancer will determine the method and schedule of administration of this drug. This decision is made by the medical oncologist. Alkeran is normally prescribed once a day for up to two to three weeks at a time.

Side effects:

The degree and severity of the side effects depend on the amount and schedule of the administration of Alkeran. Some of the most common adverse effects are as follows:

• Low white blood counts

• Low platelet count

• Anemia

• Diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

It is imperative that patients communicate any side effects or problems to their medical oncologist.