Melphalan is a chemotherapy drug used mainly to treat multiple myeloma and certain ovarian cancers. It’s also used as a conditioning agent before stem cell or bone marrow transplants. If you or someone you care for is getting melphalan, this quick guide explains what it does, common side effects, and practical tips to stay safer during treatment.
Melphalan belongs to a class called alkylating agents. It damages cancer cells’ DNA so they can’t divide. That helps shrink tumors or reduce cancer cells before a transplant. Doctors give melphalan as an injection into a vein (IV) or as a tablet you swallow. Doses vary a lot based on the disease, your weight, kidney function, and if you’re preparing for a transplant—so don’t try to adjust doses yourself.
Chemo must be handled by trained professionals. Melphalan tablets are sometimes used at home, but only under clear instructions. Never buy chemotherapy from unverified online sources. Use an accredited hospital or specialty pharmacy and always have a prescription.
The most serious effect is bone marrow suppression. That means low white cells (infection risk), low platelets (bleeding risk), and low red cells (anemia, fatigue). Other common problems are nausea, vomiting, mouth sores (mucositis), hair loss, and diarrhea. Melphalan can damage the ovaries or testicles and often causes temporary or permanent infertility. If pregnancy is possible, use reliable birth control during treatment and for a period afterward.
Your care team will monitor blood counts regularly, usually before each dose and for weeks after treatment. They also check kidney and liver tests. If your fever goes above 38°C (100.4°F), or you have unusual bleeding, shortness of breath, or severe mouth pain, contact your team right away. Keep emergency contact numbers handy.
Take anti-nausea medicines as prescribed before symptoms start. Rinse your mouth often with a mild salt-and-water solution to reduce mucositis. Avoid crowds and sick people when your white cell count is low. Use a soft toothbrush and skip dental work until your doctor says it’s safe. Talk to your care team about fertility preservation before treatment begins.
Tell your oncologist about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you take. Some drugs that affect the bone marrow or kidney function can make melphalan harder to tolerate. Don’t get live vaccines during or after treatment without oncology approval.
Ask your oncologist, oncology nurse, or pharmacist for patient-friendly handouts about melphalan. You can also explore related articles on this site about medicines, safe online pharmacies, and managing side effects.
Keep a treatment notebook: record dates, doses, side effects, and contacts. Bring a printed medication list to every appointment. If you notice new or worsening symptoms between visits, report them promptly. Support groups and cancer centers often have practical help with transport, finances, and counseling. Keep copies of lab results and dates on file so your care team can quickly spot trends and adjust treatment if needed promptly.
