Alkeran IV and Sertraline Oral Concentrate

• Generic Name: melphalan
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Alkeran, Alkeran IV, Evomela

Melphalan injection is used to treat multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer) and as a conditioning treatment before a bone marrow transplantation procedure in patients with multiple myeloma. Melphalan belongs to the group of medicines called alkylating agents (cancer medicines). It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body. Since the growth of normal cells may also be affected by melphalan, other unwanted effects will also occur. Before you begin treatment with melphalan, talk to your doctor about the benefits as well as the risks of using it.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

• Generic Name: sertraline
• Dosage Forms: oral solution, concentrate
• Other Brand Names: Zoloft

Management of major depressive disorder.

Efficacy in hospital settings not established.

APA states that effectiveness of antidepressants is generally comparable between and within classes of medications, including SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, MAOIs, and other antidepressants (e.g., bupropion, mirtazapine, trazodone). Choose antidepressant based mainly on patient preference; nature of prior response to medication; safety, tolerability, and anticipated adverse effects; concurrent psychiatric and medical conditions; and specific properties of the medication (e.g., half-life, actions on CYP450 enzymes, other drug interactions). For most patients, an SSRI, SNRI, mirtazapine, or bupropion is considered optimal. Consult APA’s Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients with Major Depressive Disorder for additional information.

Management of OCD; reduces but does not completely eliminate obsessions and compulsions.

Management of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia.

Management of PTSD; more effective in women than in men.

Not effective for combat- or war-related PTSD.

Management of PMDD; improves symptoms (e.g., depressed mood, premenstrual anger/irritability) and functional impairment (e.g., difficulty in concentrating, lethargy) associated with this disorder.

Efficacy when used in conjunction with oral contraceptives for the treatment of PMDD is unknown.

Management of social phobia (social anxiety disorder).

Has been used in the management of premature ejaculation.

Has been used in the management of vascular headaches with equivocal efficacy.