Betamethasone injection and Melphalan

• Generic Name: betamethasone
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Celestone Soluspan, Celestone, Celestone Phosphate, Selestoject, Cell-U-Jec, Adbeon, Beta-Phos/AC

Betamethasone is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Betamethasone is used to treat many different inflammatory conditions such as allergic reactions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, inflammation of the joints or tendons, and problems caused by low adrenal gland hormone levels.

Betamethasone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

Melphalan belongs to the group of medicines called alkylating agents. It is used to treat cancer of the ovaries and a certain type of cancer in the bone marrow.

Melphalan interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by melphalan, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur for months or years after the medicine is used.

Before you begin treatment with melphalan, you and your doctor should talk about the good melphalan will do as well as the risks of using it.

Melphalan is available only with your doctor's prescription.