What is Melphalan? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025 • Published Dec 30, 2020

Melphalan overview

BRAND NAMES:

Alkeran

Generic Names:

Melphalan

Uses:

Treats symptoms of plasma cell cancer (multiple myeloma) and ovarian cancer.

Therapeutic Classes:

Antineoplastic Agent

Forms:

Tablet

How it’s taken:

By mouth

What is Melphalan used for?

Melphalan is an alkylating agent that works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. It is used to treat certain types of cancer including multiple myeloma (blood cancer) and ovarian cancer.

What form(s) does Melphalan come in?

Tablet

What are common Melphalan dosages?

Tablet 2MG

Melphalan images - What does Melphalan look like?

Melphalan
2mg tablet

How to take Melphalan

Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
The medicine often causes changes in your blood. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking this medicine occasionally so he or she can take blood samples.
This medicine sometimes works slowly, and it may keep working for several months. Follow your personal medicine schedule carefully.
This medicine sometimes works slowly, and it may keep working for several months. Follow your personal medicine schedule carefully.
The medicine often causes changes in your blood. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking this medicine occasionally so he or she can take blood samples.
Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Melphalan

Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Melphalan contraindications - Who shouldn't take Melphalan?

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to melphalan or if you have used this medicine before and it did not help you. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant.

Melphalan warnings

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Unexplained fever, chills, cough
Oral routeCancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.
Some people who have used this medicine have developed a second form of cancer. It is not known if this medicine caused the second cancer to develop. Talk to your doctor about this risk.
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease.
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Melphalan interactions & what to avoid when taking Melphalan

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Oral routeCancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.
Some people who have used this medicine have developed a second form of cancer. It is not known if this medicine caused the second cancer to develop. Talk to your doctor about this risk.
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
Tell your doctor if you have ever been treated with radiation or other cancer medicines.
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

Melphalan side effects - How does Melphalan make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

Unexplained fever, chills, cough
Skin rash or redness
Skin or eyes turn yellow
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Painful or difficult breathing
Blood in your urine or stools
New lumps or growths under your skin
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Less Serious Side Effects

Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
Missed menstrual periods
Hair loss
Weight loss