Alkacel (Melphalan)

Common Use

Alkacel contains the active ingredient melphalan, which belongs to a class of medications called alkylating agents—in simple terms, it works by interfering with the DNA (the genetic material) inside cancer cells. When DNA is damaged in this way, the cancer cells cannot grow, multiply, or repair themselves, and they eventually die. This makes Alkacel effective against several types of cancer, including:

Multiple myeloma – a cancer of plasma cells (a type of white blood cell) in the bone marrow

Ovarian cancer – cancer that begins in the ovaries

Certain leukemias – cancers of the blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and lymphatic system

Certain lymphomas – cancers that start in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system

Alkacel is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs, or as part of a stem cell transplant regimen, where it helps prepare the body for the transplant by clearing out diseased cells from the bone marrow.

Dosage and Direction

The dosage of Alkacel varies depending on several factors: the type of cancer being treated, the patient’s body weight, and overall health. It can be given either:

Orally (as tablets taken by mouth), or

Intravenously (as an injection or infusion into a vein)

Treatment is usually given in cycles—a period of treatment followed by a period of rest to allow the body to recover. The specific dose, how it is given, and how long treatment lasts will be determined by your doctor based on your individual condition. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.

Precautions

Before starting treatment with Alkacel, be sure to tell your doctor if you have:

A history of liver disease

A history of kidney disease

Any active infections

Bone marrow problems (such as low blood cell counts)

Alkacel can suppress bone marrow function—the bone marrow is where new blood cells are made. This can lead to:

Anaemia (low red blood cells, causing tiredness and weakness)

Leukopenia (low white blood cells, increasing the risk of infections)

Thrombocytopenia (low platelets, increasing the risk of bleeding and bruising)

Because of this, regular blood tests will be needed during treatment to monitor your blood cell counts and make sure your liver and kidneys are working properly. Your doctor may adjust your dose or delay treatment if your counts are too low.

Contraindications

Alkacel is contraindicated—meaning you should not use it—in the following situations:

If you are allergic to melphalan or any other ingredient in the medication

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it can cause harm to the developing baby or nursing infant

If you have severely impaired bone marrow function that has not been carefully evaluated by your doctor

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects of Alkacel may include:

Nausea and vomiting

Fatigue (extreme tiredness)

Loss of appetite

Diarrhoea

Mouth sores (stomatitis)

Hair loss (alopecia)

Skin rashes

Bone marrow suppression is a common effect of this medication and can lead to:

Anaemia – feeling unusually tired, pale, or short of breath

Reduced immunity – making you more prone to infections

Easy bruising or bleeding – due to low platelet counts

Serious side effects, though rare, may include:

Secondary cancers – in very rare cases, this medication can increase the risk of developing other types of cancer later in life

Lung toxicity – inflammation or scarring of the lungs, which can cause coughing or difficulty breathing

If you experience any unusual symptoms—especially signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat), unusual bleeding or bruising, or difficulty breathing—contact your doctor immediately.

Drug Interactions

Alkacel may interact with other medications, including:

Other chemotherapy drugs

Immunosuppressants (medications that suppress the immune system)

Other medications that affect bone marrow function

The use of live vaccines (such as measles, mumps, rubella, or yellow fever) is not recommended during treatment with Alkacel, as your immune system may not be strong enough to handle them safely.

Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all medications you are taking—including prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and any supplements or herbal remedies.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Alkacel (if you are taking it orally), contact your doctor immediately for instructions. In general, do not double the dose to make up for a missed one—taking too much at once can increase the risk of serious side effects.

Overdose

An overdose of Alkacel can cause severe side effects, including:

Significant bone marrow suppression (very low blood cell counts)

Severe gastrointestinal problems (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, mouth ulcers)

Damage to internal organs (such as the liver or kidneys)

If you suspect an overdose—whether from taking too many tablets or from an error during intravenous administration—seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Storage

Alkacel tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and kept out of reach of children. Do not use the medication after the expiration date printed on the packaging. For intravenous formulations, follow the specific storage instructions provided by the manufacturer or your healthcare provider.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on this site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of your case. We disclaim reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.

About Our Service Cydoctors.com is an online pharmacy based right here in Cyprus. We understand that when you’re undergoing cancer treatment, having reliable access to your medication is absolutely essential—so we’ve made our service as straightforward, dependable, and supportive as possible. Because we’re local to the island, we can arrange delivery in the shortest possible time. For our customers in Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca, we’re pleased to offer overnight delivery, so your Alkacel can be with you by the next day, giving you one less thing to worry about during your treatment journey.