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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Side Effects Of Drugs Taken For Multiple Myloma And Bone Strengthening?

What are the side effects of drugs taken for multiple myloma? Such as Velcade, dexametha & revlimid? I am not currently on any drugs, just finishing my 2nd round of radiation but Dr says chemo drugs will be needed in the near future. Also what about the side effects of the bone strengthening drug...can't remember the name off hand. Would love to know the normal side effects as well as the more serious ones. I like to look ahead & prepare myslef mentally for what ahead. Thanks for any help you can share on this subject.
Terri
Wed, 29 Jan 2014
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Anesthesiologist 's  Response
Hello,
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.
Bisphosphonates like alendronate are the widely used in Multiple myeloma for bone strengthening.
Few common side effects of bisphosphonates are Nausea, vomitting, indigestion, gastritis and oesophagitis.
To avoid this common side effects we recommend to take this drug with full glass of water and sit upright for 30 minutes after taking this tablet.
You should take this drug in empty stomach to increase the absorption of the drug.

The two rare but important long term side effect of Bisphosphonates are
1. Osteonecrosis of jaw
2. Narrowing and Cancer of Oesophagus.

Thus you need to regularly check with the dentist and gastroenterologist.

Velcade contains the bortezomib.
It can cause causes fatigue, dizziness and blurred vision.
Thus you should take care of driving and operating machinery.
It also affects your lungs and nerve functions as well as blood formation may lead to anemia and risk of bleeding.
It is better to have a regular visit with your treating doctor and do blood tests.

Revlimed contains Lenalidomide.
It side effects are Diarrhea, tiredness, dizziness, dry skin, constipation, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, dry mouth, unpleasant taste, loss of appetite, headache, trouble sleeping, or painful urination.
As it destructs the cancer cells rapidly, it can cause tumour lysis syndrome.
It can be avoided by drinking plenty of water.

As steroids like dexamethosone decrease the immunity, you are at risk of frequent infection.
It also cause weight gain, headache, dizziness, increased appetite.
You doctor may taper the dose as the treatment goes on and ultimately stop the drug.
It is not advisable to stop the drug abruptly.

Hope this helps.
Please write back for further queries.
Wishing you good health.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Drugs Taken For Multiple Myloma And Bone Strengthening?

Hello, I have gone through your query and understand your concern. Bisphosphonates like alendronate are the widely used in Multiple myeloma for bone strengthening. Few common side effects of bisphosphonates are Nausea, vomitting, indigestion, gastritis and oesophagitis. To avoid this common side effects we recommend to take this drug with full glass of water and sit upright for 30 minutes after taking this tablet. You should take this drug in empty stomach to increase the absorption of the drug. The two rare but important long term side effect of Bisphosphonates are 1. Osteonecrosis of jaw 2. Narrowing and Cancer of Oesophagus. Thus you need to regularly check with the dentist and gastroenterologist. Velcade contains the bortezomib. It can cause causes fatigue, dizziness and blurred vision. Thus you should take care of driving and operating machinery. It also affects your lungs and nerve functions as well as blood formation may lead to anemia and risk of bleeding. It is better to have a regular visit with your treating doctor and do blood tests. Revlimed contains Lenalidomide. It side effects are Diarrhea, tiredness, dizziness, dry skin, constipation, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, dry mouth, unpleasant taste, loss of appetite, headache, trouble sleeping, or painful urination. As it destructs the cancer cells rapidly, it can cause tumour lysis syndrome. It can be avoided by drinking plenty of water. As steroids like dexamethosone decrease the immunity, you are at risk of frequent infection. It also cause weight gain, headache, dizziness, increased appetite. You doctor may taper the dose as the treatment goes on and ultimately stop the drug. It is not advisable to stop the drug abruptly. Hope this helps. Please write back for further queries. Wishing you good health.