What is Melphalan flufenamide?
Melphalan flufenamide, a steroid medication, is used in combination with dexamethasone to treat adults who have multiple myeloma. Melphalan flufenamide should only be given if at least four other cancer treatment options have failed or stopped working. Melphalan flufenamide can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Melphalan flufenamide
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Melphalan flufenamide can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- A new or worsening hiccup
- Pain or burning after urinating;
- Low blood cell counts: fever; chills; fatigue; sores on the lips; sores on the skin; easy bruising and bleeding; pale or cold skin; hands and feet that are cold; feeling lightheaded; short of breath.
Melphalan flufenamide can cause a variety of side effects.
- Low blood cell count
- Nausea, diarrhea;
- Tiredness;
- Cold symptoms like a stuffy nose and sneezing.
There may be other side effects. Need medical advice about side effects? Speak to your physician. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Melphalan flufenamide may increase the risk of bleeding and infection. If you notice unusual bleeding or bruising, or if you experience new signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or coughing, you should call your doctor.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to melphalan, it is best not to use this medication. Inform your doctor of any infection. The use of melphalan-flufenamide can increase the risk of other cancers, such as leukemia. This is something you should discuss with your doctor. Before starting the treatment, you may need a negative pregnancy result.
If either the mother or father uses melphalan, it can cause harm to an unborn child.
- Do not take melphalan flufenamide while pregnant if you're a woman. Utilize birth control while receiving treatment and for six months following your final dose.
- Use effective birth control if you are male and the possibility exists for pregnancy between you and your partner.
- Continue to use birth control for at least three months after your last dose.
- Do not wait to tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using melphalan flufenamide.
This medicine may reduce the likelihood of pregnancy for either the mother or father. Men and women both should use birth control to avoid pregnancy, as the medicine can harm a baby. Do not breastfeed for 1 week after taking this medication.
How to take Melphalan flufenamide?
A melphalan flufenamide infusion is administered into a vein.An injection will be administered by a healthcare provider. This medicine is administered in 28-day cycles. Melphalan flufenamide is only given on the first day of each cycle. Melphalan flufenamide is given slowly and can take up to 30 minutes. Dexamethasone can be taken orally or administered as an injection by your healthcare provider. Dexamethasone can be used for up to seven days per treatment cycle. How long you will be treated with dexamethasone and melphalanflufenamide depends on your doctor. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions. Other medicines may be prescribed to prevent nausea. Continue to use this medication as prescribed by your doctor. It may be necessary to have frequent medical tests in order to ensure that this medication does not have any harmful side effects. The results may cause your cancer treatment to be stopped or delayed.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for multiple myeloma:
On Day 1 of every 28-day cycle, 40 mg IV in 30 minutes
Comments:
This drug is not recommended as a transplant conditioning regimen outside of controlled clinical trials.
Continue treatment until the disease progresses or unacceptable toxicities occur.
Dexamethasone is administered orally or intravenously on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of each cycle.
Patients 75 years of age or older should have their dexamethasone dosage reduced to 20mg.
Consider using antiemetic medications such as serotonin-3 antagonists or other antiemetics before and during the treatment.
Use:
Combining dexamethasone with other drugs to treat adult patients with relapsed multiple myeloma Patients must have had at least four previous lines of treatment, and their disease has been resistant to at least two immunomodulatory agents, at least one proteasome inhibitor, and at least one monoclonal CD38 antibody.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your appointment for a melphalan flufenamide injection, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because melphalan is administered by a health professional in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Melphalan flufenamide can be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop using.
