Melphalan Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 31, 2024.

For healthcare professionals

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

Hematologic

• 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.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer