Melphalan: What It Is and When It’s Prescribed

If you’ve seen the name melphalan on a prescription label, you’re probably wondering what it does. In plain terms, melphalan is a chemotherapy drug that helps stop cancer cells from growing. Doctors mainly use it for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, and sometimes for ovarian or breast cancer that has spread. It belongs to a group called alkylating agents, which basically means it attaches to DNA and messes up the cancer cell’s ability to multiply.

Most patients take melphalan in pill form, but there’s also an injectable version for hospital settings. The choice depends on the type of cancer, how far it has progressed, and the overall health of the patient. Because it’s a strong medication, doctors will run blood tests before starting treatment to make sure your kidneys and liver can handle it.

How Melphalan Is Taken and Typical Dosage

When you get a melphalan prescription, you’ll likely receive clear instructions on how many milligrams to take and how often. For multiple myeloma, a common schedule is a low dose taken daily for a few weeks, followed by a break to let your body recover. The exact number varies – some patients take 4 mg daily, while others might need 8 mg or more, depending on body weight and treatment goals.

It’s important to swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Crushing or chewing can change how the drug is absorbed, which might increase side effects. If you’re on the injectable form, a nurse will handle the infusion in a clinic, usually over 30‑45 minutes.

Never skip a dose without checking with your doctor. Missing doses can let the cancer bounce back, but stopping suddenly can also cause withdrawal issues. Keep a medication log or set reminders on your phone to stay on track.

Side Effects, Interactions & Safety Tips

Like any chemo drug, melphalan comes with a list of possible side effects. The most common are nausea, vomiting, sore mouth, and low blood counts, which can make you feel tired or prone to infections. Your doctor may prescribe anti‑nausea meds and growth‑factor shots to keep blood cells up.

Because melphalan can affect the bone marrow, you’ll need regular blood tests during treatment. If your white blood cells drop too low, you might have to pause the medication until they recover. Watch for signs of infection like fever or chills and call your doctor right away.

Melphalan interacts with several other drugs. Over‑the‑counter NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) can increase the risk of stomach bleeding, while certain antibiotics may boost melphalan’s toxicity. Always show your pharmacist the full list of meds you’re taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements.

When it comes to buying melphalan, never order it from an unverified online source. Look for a licensed pharmacy that requires a valid prescription and offers a pharmacist‑available contact. If a site asks for payment before seeing a doctor, that’s a red flag. In many countries, melphalan is controlled, so the safest route is through your healthcare provider’s recommended pharmacy.

To sum it up, melphalan is a powerful tool against specific cancers, but it needs careful dosing, monitoring, and a solid safety plan. Talk openly with your oncologist about any side effects, keep up with lab work, and only use reputable pharmacies. With the right approach, you can maximize the benefits while keeping the risks in check.