Alkeran (Melphalan Injection) and Liothyronine Sodium

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

• It is used to treat multiple myeloma.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

• Generic Name: liothyronine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Cytomel, Triostat

Used orally as replacement or supplemental therapy in congenital or acquired hypothyroidism of any etiology, except transient hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis. Specific indications include primary (thyroidal), secondary (pituitary), and tertiary (hypothalamic) hypothyroidism.

Generally considered unsatisfactory for long-term use because of potential problems (i.e., wide swings in serum T3 concentrations, possibility of more pronounced adverse cardiovascular effects); however, may be useful when absorption of levothyroxine is questionable, when impairment of peripheral conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine is suspected, or in patients allergic to natural thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine is considered drug of choice for replacement therapy.

For treatment of congenital hypothyroidism (cretinism), levothyroxine is considered drug of choice.

Used IV for treatment of myxedema coma or precoma. Preferred by some clinicians over levothyroxine when a rapid effect or rapidly reversible effect is desired; however, levothyroxine generally is considered drug of choice for this use.

Treatment or prevention of various types of euthyroid goiters, including thyroid nodules, subacute or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), and multinodular goiter.

Adjunct to radioiodine therapy in the management of thyroid cancer.

Used diagnostically in suppression tests to differentiate suspected mild hyperthyroidism or thyroid gland autonomy. Use with caution in patients in whom there is a strong suspicion of thyroid gland autonomy because exogenous hormone effects will be additive to endogenous source.