Side Effects

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Along with their needed effects, medicines like melphalan can sometimes cause unwanted effects such as blood problems and other side effects. These and others are described below. Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These delayed effects may include certain types of cancer, such as leukemia. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

  1. Black, tarry stools
  2. blood in urine or stools
  3. cough or hoarseness, accompanied by fever or chills
  4. fast or irregular heart beat
  5. fever or chills
  6. lower back or side pain, accompanied by fever or chills
  7. painful or difficult urination, accompanied by fever or chills
  8. pinpoint red spots on skin
  9. shortness of breath
  10. skin rash or itching (sudden)
  11. troubled breathing
  12. unusual bleeding or bruising

Rare

  1. Diarrhea
  2. difficulty swallowing
  3. joint pain
  4. redness and/or soreness in arm or leg
  5. sores in the mouth and on the lips
  6. swelling of the feet or lower legs

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

  1. Nausea and vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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