Introduction
What ALPHALAN 5MG is used for?
It is used to treat cancers such as:
- Multiple myeloma (develops from cells in the bone marrow called plasma cells)
- Advanced cancer of the ovaries and breast cancer
- Polycythemia vera (disease which increases the number of red cells in your blood)
Warning & Precautions
Talk to Doctor
Talk to your doctor before you take this medicine, if you:
- Are allergic or hypersensitive to any of the other ingredients of this medicine
- Have or had radiotherapy or chemotherapy
- Have a kidney problem
Pregnancy & Breast Feeding
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine
Interactions
Tell your doctor if you are taking,
- Other cytotoxic drugs (chemotherapy)
- Nalidixic acid (used to treat urinary tract infections)
- Ciclosporin (used to prevent rejection of organs or tissues following a transplant or to treat certain skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema or to treat rheumatoid arthritis)
How to Use
- Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you
- Swallow your medicine whole with a glass of water
- Do not break, crush or chew the medicine
If you take more ALPHALAN 5MG
- If you take more than the prescribed dose, tell your doctor or go to a nearest hospital straight away
If you forget to take ALPHALAN 5MG
- Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose
If you stop taking ALPHALAN 5MG
- Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so
Side Effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them
Serious
- Allergic reaction: rash, lumps or hives on the skin, swollen face, eyelids or lips, sudden wheeziness and tightness of the chest, collapse (cardiac arrest)
- Signs of fever or infection (sore throat, sore mouth or urinary problems)
- Unexpected bruising or bleeding or feeling extremely tired, dizzy or breathless
- Suddenly feel unwell (even with a normal temperature)
Common
- A drop in the number of blood cells and platelets
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
- In high doses: mouth ulcers, hair loss
- High levels of urea in your blood (kidney problem who are being treated for myeloma)
Rare
- Illness (low number of red blood cells)
- Cough or wheeze, difficult to breathe
- Jaundice (yellowing of the whites of eyes and skin)
- Mouth ulcers
- Skin rashes or itching skin
- Leukemia
- In women: periods stopping
More Information
Storage
- Keep this medicine out of reach of children
- Store in a refrigerator at 2-8ºC
FAQs
Q. Is Alphalan a vesicant (irritant)?
Alphalan is not a vesicant but an anti-cancer drug
Q. How is Alphalan given?
Alphalan is given by oral or intravenous route; dosing varies by purpose and route of administration as well as patient weight
Q. Does Alphalan cause hair loss/ neuropathy/ liver damage?
Alphalan causes hair loss as one of the side effects. but cause for liver damage and neuropathy is not known
Q. How does Alphalan work/ how does Alphalan kill cancer cells?
Alphalan belongs to class of drugs called alkylating agents. It works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells in your body.
Disclaimer:
The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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