Melphalan Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 23, 2025.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to melphalan: injectable powder for injection, intravenous powder for injection, intravenous solution, oral tablet.

Hematologic adverse events

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hemolytic anemia^[Ref]

thrombocytopenia, anemia)

Oncologic

• Frequency not reported: Secondary malignancies (e.g., acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, myeloproliferative syndrome, carcinoma^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis
• Frequency not reported: Bronchospasm, dyspnea^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Alopecia (at high dose)
• Common (1% to 10%): Alopecia (at conventional dose)
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Maculopapular rash, pruritus
• Frequency not reported: Skin hypersensitivity, skin necrosis (rarely requiring skin grafting)^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, hypotension, vasculitis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomatitis (at high dose)
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Stomatitis (at conventional dose)^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Abnormal liver function tests to clinical manifestations such as hepatitis and jaundice; veno-occlusive disease following high dose treatment^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Allergic reactions (e.g., urticaria, edema, skin rashes, anaphylactic shock)^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Warmth, tingling
• Frequency not reported: Chromosome damage^[Ref]

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Temporary significant elevation of the blood urea has been seen in the early stages of therapy with this drug in myeloma patients with renal damage^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Skin ulceration at injection site^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Muscle atrophy, muscle fibrosis, myalgia, blood creatine phosphokinase increased
• Common (1% to 10%): Compartment syndrome
• Frequency not reported: Muscle necrosis, rhabdomyolysis^[Ref]

Further information

Melphalan side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer