melphalan-oral (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: kidney problems, blood disorders, allergies (especially drug allergies). Contraceptive (birth control) measures are recommended for use in men and women while taking this medication. Melphalan is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this medication. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use. Do not stop or start any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and intestinal bleeding.
NOTES: This medication can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, sore throat, rash, or chills. Avoid touching your eyes or inside your nose without first washing your hands. Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine. Regular doctor visits are important. Frequent blood tests will be done to monitor therapy.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, do not take the missed dose at all and do not "double-up" the next dose. Instead, resume your usual dosing schedule and check with your doctor.
STORAGE: Different brands of this medication have different storage requirements. Refer to package labeling or consult your pharmacist for the storage requirements of the brand you are using.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2005
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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