Melphalan Hydrochloride Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, For Solution

Generic Name: melphalan hydrochloride injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Hepzato Kit

11 DESCRIPTION Melphalan, is a bifunctional alkylating drug that is active against selected human neoplastic diseases. Melphalan is available as melphalan hydrochloride salt. The chemical name of melphalan hydrochloride is 4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]-L-phenylalanine hydrochloride. The molecular formula is C 13 H 18 Cl 2 N 2 O 2 .HCl and the molecular weight is 341.67. Melphalan is practically insoluble in water and has a pKa1 of ~2.5.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Melphalan, is a bifunctional alkylating drug that is active against selected human neoplastic diseases. Melphalan is available as melphalan hydrochloride salt. The chemical name of melphalan hydrochloride is 4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]-L-phenylalanine hydrochloride. The molecular formula is C 13 H 18 Cl 2 N 2 O 2 .HCl and the molecular weight is 341.67. Melphalan is practically insoluble in water and has a pKa1 of ~2.5.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE HEPZATO for injection, as a component of the HEPZATO KIT, is indicated as a liver-directed treatment for adult patients with uveal melanoma with unresectable hepatic metastases affecting less than 50% of the liver and no extrahepatic disease or extrahepatic disease limited to the bone, lymph nodes, subcutaneous tissues, or lung that is amenable to resection or radiation. HEPZATO is an alkylating drug indicated as a liver-directed treatment for adult patients with uveal melanoma with unresectable hepatic metastases affecting less than 50% of the liver and no extrahepatic disease, or extrahepatic disease limited to the bone, lymph nodes, subcutaneous tissues, or lung that is amenable to resection or radiation.( 1 )

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION HEPZATO, a component of the HEPZATO KIT, is administered by intra-arterial infusion into the hepatic artery (see instructions for use [IFU]). The recommended dose is 3 mg/kg based on ideal body weight (see Table 1 ), with a maximum absolute dose of 220 mg during a single HEPZATO treatment. ( 2.2 ). The drug is infused over 30 minutes followed by a 30-minute washout period (see IFU). Treatments should be administered every six (6) to eight (8) weeks but can be delayed until recovery from toxicities and as per clinical judgement. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Important Pre-Treatment and Administration Information HEPZATO is a component of the HEPZATO KIT Hepatic Delivery System [HDS].

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Below are adverse reactions associated with HEPZATO KIT. Additional adverse reactions related to the procedure and/or medical device are described in further detail in the HEPZATO KIT IFU. The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Peri-procedural complications [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Secondary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Most common (≥20%) adverse reactions or laboratory abnormalities are thrombocytopenia, fatigue, anemia, nausea, musculoskeletal pain, leukopenia, abdominal pain, neutro...

Warnings

WARNING: PERI-PROCEDURAL COMPLICATIONS, MYELOSUPPRESSION Severe peri-procedural complications including hemorrhage, hepatocellular injury, and thromboembolic events may occur via hepatic intra-arterial administration of HEPZATO. Assess patients for these adverse reactions during and for at least 72 hours following administration of HEPZATO [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred in patients who received an intravenous (IV) formulation of melphalan. Immediately terminate hepatic arterial melphalan infusion for hypersensitivity reactions and administer supportive care. ( 5.4 ) Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea are common. ( 5.5 ) Carcinogenic/Mutagenic effects: Secondary malignancies, including acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, myeloproliferative syndrome, and carcinoma, have been reported in patients with cancer treated with alkylating drugs (including melphalan). Melphalan has been shown to cause chromatid or chromosome damage in humans. ( 5.6 ) Embryo-fetal toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS HEPZATO and the HEPZATO KIT are contraindicated in patients with: Active intracranial metastases or brain lesions with a propensity to bleed Liver failure, portal hypertension, or known varices at risk for bleeding Surgery or medical treatment of the liver in the previous 4 weeks Uncorrectable coagulopathy Inability to safely undergo general anesthesia, including active cardiac...

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on animal studies and its mechanism of action, melphalan can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman, including teratogenicity and/or embryo-fetal lethality [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 ) ]. Melphalan is a genotoxic drug and can cause chromatid or chromosome damage in humans [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 ) ]. In animal studies, melphalan was embryolethal and teratogenic in rats at doses below the recommended clinical doses [see Data ]. Advise a pregnant woman of the potential risk to a fetus.

Storage

Storage and Handling HEPZATO for injection and its associated diluents including 0.9% sodium chloride must be stored at controlled room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Temperature excursions are permitted between 15°C- 30°C (59°F-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. The Hepatic Delivery System components may be stored at room temperature. Melphalan is a hazardous drug.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Melphalan Hydrochloride Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, For Solution used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE HEPZATO for injection, as a component of the HEPZATO KIT, is indicated as a liver-directed treatment for adult patients with uveal melanoma with unresectable hepatic metastases affecting less than 50% of the liver and no extrahepatic disease or extrahepatic disease limited to the bone, lymph nodes, subcutaneous tissues, or lung that is amenable to resection or radiation. HEPZATO is an alkylating drug indicated as a liver-directed treatment for adult patients with uveal melanoma with unresectable hepatic metastases affecting less than 50% of the liver and no extrahepatic disease, or extrahepatic disease limited to the bone, lymph nodes, subcutaneous tissues, or lung that is amenable to resection or radiation.( 1 )

What are the side effects of Melphalan Hydrochloride Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, For Solution?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Below are adverse reactions associated with HEPZATO KIT. Additional adverse reactions related to the procedure and/or medical device are described in further detail in the HEPZATO KIT IFU. The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Peri-procedural complications [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Secondary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Most common (≥20%) adverse reactions or laboratory abnormalities are thrombocytopenia, fatigue, anemia, nausea, musculoskeletal pain, leukopenia, abdominal pain, neutro...

Can I take Melphalan Hydrochloride Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, For Solution during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on animal studies and its mechanism of action, melphalan can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman, including teratogenicity and/or embryo-fetal lethality [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 ) ]. Melphalan is a genotoxic drug and can cause chromatid or chromosome damage in humans [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 ) ]. In animal studies, melphalan was embryolethal and teratogenic in rats at doses below the recommended clinical doses [see Data ]. Advise a pregnant woman of the potential risk to a fetus.

What are the important warnings for Melphalan Hydrochloride Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, For Solution?

WARNING: PERI-PROCEDURAL COMPLICATIONS, MYELOSUPPRESSION Severe peri-procedural complications including hemorrhage, hepatocellular injury, and thromboembolic events may occur via hepatic intra-arterial administration of HEPZATO. Assess patients for these adverse reactions during and for at least 72 hours following administration of HEPZATO [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred in patients who received an intravenous (IV) formulation of melphalan. Immediately terminate hepatic arterial melphalan infusion for hypersensitivity reactions and administer supportive care. ( 5.4 ) Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea are common. ( 5.5 ) Carcinogenic/Mutagenic effects: Secondary malignancies, including acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, myeloproliferative syndrome, and carcinoma, have been reported in patients with cancer treated with alkylating drugs (including melphalan). Melphalan has been shown to cause chromatid or chromosome damage in humans. ( 5.6 ) Embryo-fetal toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS HEPZATO and the HEPZATO KIT are contraindicated in patients with: Active intracranial metastases or brain lesions with a propensity to bleed Liver failure, portal hypertension, or known varices at risk for bleeding Surgery or medical treatment of the liver in the previous 4 weeks Uncorrectable coagulopathy Inability to safely undergo general anesthesia, including active cardiac...

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.