Revlimid Treatment and Its Side Effects
- Revlimid is a treatment that works with your immune system to control multiple myeloma.
- The most common side effects are low blood cell counts, diarrhea, and rash.
- Doctors have treatments to manage these side effects, and assistance programs can help you afford the cost of Revlimid.
RELATED: Understanding the Basics of Induction Therapy
Read MoreHow Do You Take Revlimid?
Revlimid comes as a capsule that you swallow. You’ll need to take this medication every day, Dr. Krisstina Gowin, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, tells SurvivorNet. For maintenance therapy, "It’s usually started somewhere on the range of three months post bone marrow transplant." RELATED: Treating the Side Effects of Induction TherapyWhich dose you get depends on your stage of treatment. For example, after an autologous stem cell transplant, the typical dose is 10 milligrams (mg) a day.
Side Effects: Low Blood Cell Counts
One of the most common side effects when Revlimid is part of maintenance therapy is reduced blood cell counts, Dr. Gowin says. The drug can cause your white blood cell and platelet levels to drop.
Having low white blood cells puts you at higher risk for infection. Low platelets makes you bruise or bleed more easily. This side effect can be hardest to tolerate at the beginning of your treatment, but it should improve once you’ve been on the medication for a while.
Blood Clots
Blood clots are another worry with Revlimid. A clot can form in an artery or vein. If it gets dislodged and travels through your bloodstream, the clot can block the flow of blood to a critical organ like your brain or heart. "This is why we recommend at least a daily aspirin, and sometimes more anticoagulation [blood thinners] to decrease the risk," Dr. Gowin says.
While you're on this treatment, watch for signs of a blood clot, which include swelling or redness in your leg, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Report these symptoms to your doctor right away.
Other Side Effects
Fatigue and weakness are other common problems with Revlimid, especially right after a stem cell transplant. GI side effects like diarrhea and belly pain are also possible. If diarrhea doesn't improve on its own, your doctor can recommend medication to relieve it.
A rash is one of the most bothersome Revlimid side effects. It's such a big problem that it causes many people to stop treatment. "Sometimes a rash hits and it’s like, 'I’m done. I’m never taking that again!'" Dr. Gowin says of her patients' responses.
Don't give up right away. Your doctor can help you work through this side effect and better tolerate your medication.
It's important to deal with side effects and not let them derail your treatment. Know that you can manage them. "I have many patients in my practice who maintain Revlimid for years with excellent tolerance," Dr. Gowin adds. "It has very little impact on their quality of life, and they are still living their best life."
Affording Revlimid
Revlimid therapy can help keep your cancer at bay, but it comes with a high price tag. Expect to pay around $17,000 a month. "The cost of Revlimid and many of our other oral therapeutics can be prohibitive, and it really can be a challenge," Dr. Gowin says.
If you can't afford your medications, many programs are available to help you cover the cost. Check with your doctor or the social worker at your hospital for advice on how to make your treatment more affordable.
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