Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is melphalan. It is used to treat multiple myeloma and ovarian cancer. It may have other uses too. Melphalan can be taken by mouth or given by infusion into a vein. When taken by mouth, it is best to take it on an empty stomach. Make sure to take your dose with a glass of water. You should take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. You should swallow the tablets whole, and do not crush or cut them. 

Common side effects of this medicine are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the hands and feet, and feeling tired. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You should not stop taking it, unless your doctor says it's okay. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow your condition closely and will order blood tests.  

As with any medicine, serious side effects can occur. Melphalan has several. You should discuss these and all possible side effects with your doctor. If you think you have an infection or notice unusual bleeding, make sure to tell your doctor. This may be a side effect of this medication. Also, you should read the Patient Information Sheet for important information. 

Melphalan can interact with other drugs. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines or vaccines.

Melphalan can harm unborn babies. Women taking melphalan should not become pregnant or breastfeed.

For best results with melphalan, work closely with your healthcare team to manage side effects.