ALKERAN

Drug Uses
Alkeran is an alkylating agent. It used for treatment of certain types of cancer.

How Taken
Alkeran is usually injected at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Alkeran at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your doctor. Do not use Alkeran if it contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way. Alkeran should be used as soon as it is mixed. Do not keep Alkeran after it has been mixed. Any leftover medicine or supplies used with Alkeran should be placed in a plastic bag and disposed of as instructed by your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Alkeran, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you have bone marrow depression, an infection, low white blood cell count, kidney problems, shingles, or chickenpox, or are undergoing radiation therapy, if you have used Alkeran before and it did not work, if you are a female of childbearing age, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. Alkeran has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while taking Alkeran. If you think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Alkeran during pregnancy. It is not known if Alkeran passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Alkeran. Some medicines may interact with Alkeran, therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not take Alkeran if you are taking nalidixic acid. Alkeran should me used with extreme caution in children, safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed. If nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite occurs, ask you doctor or pharmacist for ways to lessen these effects. Alkeran may lower your body`s ability to fight infection. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Notify your doctor of any signs of infection including fever, sore throat, rash, or chills. Check with your doctor before having vaccinations while you are using Alkeran. This medication may reduce the number of blood cells that are needed for clotting. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur. Lab test, including complete blood cell counts, may be necessary to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Alkeran, contact your doctor immediately.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are- diarrhea, hair loss, nausea, vomiting. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), black, tarry stools, blood in urine or stools, dark urine, diarrhea, fatigue, fever or chills, irregular or absent menstrual periods, joint pain, lower back or side pain, persistent cough, persistent nausea or vomiting, sore throat, sores on the mouth or lips, stomach pain, swollen feet or lower legs, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual lumps or growths, unusual tiredness, weight loss, yellowing eyes and skin.

Storage
Store this medication at room temperature, between 59 – 86 °F (15 – 30 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light (not in the bathroom). Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected, seek medical attention immediately. Some of the possible symptoms of Alkeran overdose are- diarrhea, drowsiness, intestinal bleeding, paralysis, seizures, severe nausea and vomiting.

More Information
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Alkeran should only be used under the supervision of a doctor experienced with the use of cancer medicines. Alkeran may cause a decrease in the body's blood cells (bone marrow suppression), which could cause bleeding problems or infection. It may also cause blood cell cancer. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop easy bleeding or bruising, unusual fatigue, rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, or signs of an infection, such as persistent sore throat or fever while using Alkeran.

Disclaimer
This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.