Melphalan is a chemotherapeutic drug used to treat certain forms of cancer, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer and multiple myeloma. This medication is part of a class of drugs called alkylating agents, which work by preventing the replication of cancer cells in the body. Patients should discuss melphalan side effects with a doctor before beginning this form of chemotherapy.
Hair Loss
Melphalan targets and destroys cells within the body that replicate rapidly, such as cancer cells. Unfortunately, this chemotherapeutic drug can inadvertently destroy hair cells, which also replicate quickly. Consequently, patients can experience moderate to complete hair loss as a side effect of melphalan treatment, warns Drugs.com. Hair loss predominately affects the scalp, but can also cause a patient's eyelashes or eyebrows to appear thin or sparse. This side effect of melphalan is temporary and patients will experience normal hair growth upon the end of chemotherapy.
Upset Stomach
Patients treated with melphalan can experience stomach upsets, according to RxList. Generally, affected patients feel nauseous or begin to vomit. These side effects most frequently occur shortly after taking melphalan and progressively subside. Some patients experience diarrhea, which can cause abdominal cramping or bloating. These stomach upsets can contribute to a temporary loss of appetite in affected patients.
Skin Bruising or Bleeding
Treatment with melphalan alters the number of platelets within a patient's blood, according to Cancer Research UK. Low platelet levels make it harder for the body to heal after injury. Patients taking melphalan can develop unusual skin bruises across the body after sustaining mild injuries, such as bumping into a chair. Their gums may bleed easily when they brush their teeth.
Anemia
Patients taking melphalan can experience an unusual decrease in their red blood cell levels, a side effect referred to as anemia. Affected patients can develop anemia symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin or breathing difficulties. These side effects of melphalan should be discussed with a doctor as soon as possible.
Recurrent Infections
Melphalan can decrease the amount of white blood cells within a patient's body. When this occurs, the immune system has a difficult time fighting off infection. Patients taking melphalan can experience recurrent or persistent infections as a side effect of treatment. Symptoms of infection can include headache, sore throat, cough, chills or muscle pain, according to Cancer Research UK. Affected patients should consult a physician. Additional treatment may be necessary to help resolve infection symptoms.
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