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melphalan flufenamide
melphalan flufenamide
What is the most important information I should know about melphalan flufenamide?
What is the most important information I should know about melphalan flufenamide?
Melphalan flufenamide can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or new signs of infection (fever, chills, cough, burning when you urinate).
What is melphalan flufenamide?
What is melphalan flufenamide?
Melphalan flufenamide is used together with dexamethasone (a steroid medicine) to treat adults with multiple myeloma.
Melphalan flufenamide is given after at least four other cancer treatments did not work or have stopped working.
Melphalan flufenamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving melphalan flufenamide?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving melphalan flufenamide?
You should not be treated with melphalan flufenamide if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have any type of infection.
Using melphalan flufenamide may increase your risk of developing other cancers, such as leukemia. Ask your doctor about this risk.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Melphalan flufenamide can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.
- If you are a woman, do not use melphalan flufenamide if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
- If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
- Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using melphalan flufenamide.
Pregnancy may be less likely to occur while the mother or the father is using this medicine. Both men and women should still use birth control to prevent pregnancy because the medicine can harm an unborn baby.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 week after your last dose.
How is melphalan flufenamide given?
How is melphalan flufenamide given?
Melphalan flufenamide is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
This medicine is given in a 28-day treatment cycle. You will receive melphalan flufenamide only on the first day of each cycle. Melphalan flufenamide must be given slowly, and the infusion can take about 30 minutes to complete.
Dexamethasone is either taken by mouth or given as an injection given by your healthcare professional. Usually, the dexamethasone is used every 7 days of each treatment cycle.
Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with melphalan flufenamide and dexamethasone. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
You may be given other medicine to help prevent nausea. Keep using this medicine for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed or stopped based on the results.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your melphalan flufenamide injection.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid while receiving melphalan flufenamide?
What should I avoid while receiving melphalan flufenamide?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of melphalan flufenamide?
What are the possible side effects of melphalan flufenamide?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a new or worsening cough;
- pain or burning when you urinate; or
- low blood cell counts --fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.
Common side effects may include:
- low blood cell counts;
- nausea, diarrhea;
- tiredness; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect melphalan flufenamide?
What other drugs will affect melphalan flufenamide?
Other drugs may affect melphalan flufenamide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about melphalan flufenamide.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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