Alkeran is a chemotherapeutic medication that contains melphalan and is effective against certain types of cancer including ovarian cancer and multiple myeloma. This chemotherapy drug is an alkylating agent that helps prevent cancer cells from replicating in the body. Alkeran can cause side effects, which patients should discuss with a medical professional prior to undergoing this form of cancer treatment.
Hair Loss
Chemotherapeutic agents, such as Alkeran, target and destroy cells that grow rapidly. Though cancer cells are the primary target of this medication, healthy cells that reproduce quickly, such as hair cells, may also be inadvertently destroyed. Consequently, patients taking high doses of Alkeran administered by intravenous or IV injection may experience hair loss as a side effect of treatment, Macmillan Cancer Support warns. Hair loss is typically most noticeable across the scalp, though a patient's eyebrows and eyelashes may also begin to appear thin or sparse. Hair loss is a temporary side effect of treatment and patients typically experience normal hair regrowth across the scalp within a few weeks following the end of Alkeran treatment.
Anemia
Treatment with Alkeran may alter the body's ability to produce certain types of immune cells, such as red blood cells. Patients with unusually low red blood cell levels caused by Alkeran treatment may develop anemia, RxList reports. Side effects associated with anemia include fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, headache and weakness. If these side effects emerge, patients should consult a medical professional for further evaluation and care.
Recurrent Infections
Alkeran limits the body's ability to generate white blood cells, which makes it harder for the body to fight off infection. When this occurs, patients may be more likely to develop recurrent infections, Cancer Research UK warns. Affected patients may experience frequent muscle aches, chills, cough, sore throat or headaches. Recurrent infections may require antibiotic medication to resolve symptoms and affected patients should seek further guidance from a physician.
Upset Stomach or Weight Loss
Nausea, vomiting or appetite loss may occur in patients taking Alkeran, MedlinePlus reports. These upset stomach side effects may contribute to unintended weight loss in certain patients, which may exacerbate fatigue.
Menstrual Cycle Changes
Women receiving treatment with Alkeran may experience lack of a normal menstrual cycle as a side effect of this chemotherapeutic agent, Cancer Research UK explains. Affected women, especially those who are sexually active, should consult a doctor as soon as possible. The absence of a menstrual period, also called amenorrhea, may be a sign of pregnancy.
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