Alkacel 5mg Tablet
Uses:
- Multiple myeloma (a type of cancer of the bone marrow).
- Advanced breast cancer.
- Advanced ovarian cancer.
- Polycythemia vera (a disease that increases the number of red cells in your blood, thickening it and causing blood clots).
Active constituent: Melphalan.
Therapeutic class: Antineoplastics. Pharmacological class: Alkylating agents.
Mechanism of action:
- Alkacel 5mg tablet exerts its cytotoxic action by cross-linking strands of DNA and RNA.
- Inhibits protein synthesis, stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells.
Important safety information:
- Do not take if allergic to melphalan or any other ingredients.
- Inform your physician if you have had radiotherapy or cancer chemotherapy recently, or have kidney problems.
- Do not take if pregnant or planning pregnancy.
- Report rash, lumps, hives, swollen face, eyelids, lips, sudden wheeziness, and chest tightness immediately.
Storage:
- Store in a refrigerator, 2° to 8°C.
- Protect from light and excessive moisture.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Dosage and administration:
- Always take as prescribed by your doctor.
- Take at the same time, with or without food.
- Do not break, chew, crush, or break the tablet.
- Swallow the whole tablet with water.
Side effects:
- Common: decreased blood cell count, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, hair loss.
- Serious: cardiac arrest, liver inflammation, hypersensitivity skin reactions, acute renal failure, lung inflammation.
Interactions:
- Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take.
- Certain medications interact with Alkacel 5mg tablet and reduce its effectiveness.
Driving:
- It is not known whether Alkacel 5mg tablet alters the ability to drive.
- Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
FAQ:
Q 1. Can a patient with kidney problems take Alkacel 5mg tablet? Alkacel 5mg tablet should be cautiously taken if you have any kidney problems. Dose adjustments are necessary for patients with kidney diseases. Inform your doctor if you are on dialysis and have any kidney disorders.
Q 2. Does Alkacel 5mg tablet weaken the immune system? The medicine can suppress your immune system and increase your chances of getting infections. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury.
Q 3. What if I overdose or take two doses of Alkacel 5mg tablet? If you unknowingly overdosed or took two doses of Alkacel 5mg tablet, immediately inform your healthcare professional and seek medical advice.
Q 4. Should Alkacel 5mg tablet be taken with or without food? Alkacel 5mg tablet comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken on an empty stomach once a day. Your doctor will tell you how to take the medicine.
Q 5. Does Alkacel 5mg tablet cause hair loss? Thinning or loss of your hair will usually start within two to four weeks of your first dose of Alkacel 5mg tablet. You may also have thinning or loss of eyelashes, eyebrows, and other body hair. Consult your doctor if you have excessive hair loss.