Treatment FAQ

how does revlimid treatment feel

by Krystel Jacobi Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Treatment with REVLIMID can cause nausea. Nausea is an uneasy or unsettled feeling in the stomach. It often occurs at the same time with the urge to vomit, but doesn't always lead to vomiting. Some other ways people describe nausea are “feeling sick to my stomach,” “queasy,” or “upset stomach.”

Precautions

May 04, 2020 · signs of tumor cell breakdown - lower back pain, blood in your urine, little or no urinating; numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth; muscle weakness or tightness; feeling short of breath; confusion, fainting. Common Revlimid side effects may include: fever, cough, tiredness; itching, rash, swelling; or.

What are the side effects of Revlimid maintenance therapy?

Revlimid is chemically related to Thalomid (thalidomide, Celgene), another IMiD, but has been found to be more potent in the laboratory and has different side effects. For example, significant sleepiness, constipation and painful nerve problems ( neuropathy –which are common side effects of Thalomid—are seen much less frequently with Revlimid.

What is Revlimid used to treat?

Numbness or tingling in fingers or toes is often temporary and can improve after you finish treatment. Tell your doctor if you're finding it difficult to walk or complete fiddly tasks such as doing up buttons. Headaches and dizziness Let your doctor or nurse know if you have headaches. They can give you painkillers.

What do I need to know before taking Revlimid?

Sep 14, 2019 · The more common side effects of Revlimid can include: cough skin rash or itching diarrhea constipation nausea fatigue (lack of energy) anemia (low levels of red blood cells) insomnia (trouble...

How long does Revlimid stay in your system?

Side effects sometimes have percentage ranges [example 55 – 75%] because they differed between clinical studies: Low white blood cells (55 - 75%) Increased bleeding risk [Low platelets; thrombocytopenia] (41 - 44%) Anemia [Low red blood cells] (3 - 7%) Skin rash (6%) Blood clots (3 - 6%) Itching (3%) Fatigue (3%) Nausea (3%) Diarrhea (3%)

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Does Revlimid make you sleepy?

(Revlimid®) may cause fatigue at the start of treatment but can improve as the body learns to tolerate the drug. These treatments may also help relieve fatigue as the myeloma activity reduces.

Is Revlimid well tolerated?

ORLANDO—In heavily pretreated patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, the combination of lenalidomide (Revlimid) and bortezomib (Velcade), with or without dexamethasone, is active and well tolerated, according to results of an early phase trial.Apr 30, 2007

What does Revlimid do to your body?

It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. It is also used to treat anemia in patients with certain blood/bone marrow disorders (myelodysplastic syndromes-MDS). Lenalidomide may lessen the need for blood transfusions.

How effective is Revlimid in treating multiple myeloma?

Patients who took REVLIMID and dexamethasone continuously had a 75% response rate compared to 73% of patients who took REVLIMID and dexamethasone for only 18 months and 62% of patients who took the combination of melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide.

How long does Revlimid stay in your body?

Revlimid stays in your system for up to 4 weeks after stopping treatment. So it's possible that you could still experience side effects of the drug after your last dose.Nov 14, 2021

Is Revlimid considered a chemo drug?

Other Drugs Given With Chemotherapy Your doctor may give you a high dose of one before trying chemotherapy. Immunomodulating agents (IMiDs) like lenalidomide (Revlimid), pomalidomide (Pomalyst), and thalidomide (Thalomid) help your immune system fight the cancer. They're given in capsules.Oct 19, 2020

When is the best time to take Revlimid?

IMPORTANT DOSING INFORMATIONSwallow REVLIMID capsules whole with water 1 time a day. ... REVLIMID may be taken with or without food.Take REVLIMID at about the same time each day.Do not open the REVLIMID capsules or handle them any more than needed.More items...

Do Revlimid side effects go away?

Some side effects of lenalidomide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.Nov 30, 2021

How long does Revlimid work for multiple myeloma?

The results of the study showed that Revlimid plus dexamethasone was effective in treating multiple myeloma. People taking this combination of drugs lived about 58.9 months after starting treatment. In comparison, people taking MPT lived about 48.5 months after starting treatment.

What is considered remission for multiple myeloma?

Remission after transplantation — The strict definition of remission requires that there are no signs or symptoms of multiple myeloma and that highly sensitive tests cannot detect any abnormal plasma cells. This type of remission occurs in about 50 to 60 percent of people after autologous transplantation.Dec 10, 2021

What is life expectancy with multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is an uncommon cancer of the blood. The median length of survival after diagnosis with multiple myeloma is 62 months for Stage I, 44 months for Stage II, and 29 months for Stage III. Life expectancy depends on many factors, including the person's age, health, kidney function, and more.Jun 11, 2021

How long can u live with multiple myeloma?

Survival rates tell you what percentage of people with the same type and stage of cancer are still alive a certain amount of time (usually 5 years) after they were diagnosed....5-year relative survival rates for myeloma.SEER stage5-year relative survival rateDistant (multiple myeloma)55%All SEER stages combined56%2 more rows•Mar 2, 2022

Can Revlimid cause weight gain?

Revlimid does not usually cause weight gain, in fact, 7% to 20% of people in clinical trials report losing weight while taking Revlimid, but RAPID...

What is the best time of day to take Revlimid?

Revlimid may be taken at any time of the day, so long as it is taken consistently at the same time each day. Some people suggest taking it at night...

How long does Revlimid stay in your system?

Theoretically, Revlimid stays in your system for 15 to 25 hours (just over 1 day). This is based on the average half-life of Revlimid which is 3 ho...

How long do you take Revlimid for?

How long you take Revlimid for depends on your medical condition, your response to treatment or lab test results, and your tolerance of Revlimid’s...

How does Revlimid work?

The active substance in Revlimid, lenalidomide, works by binding to a protein called cereblon (CRBN), which recognizes and targets other key protei...

Is Revlimid a chemotherapy drug?

Revlimid is not a chemotherapy drug it is an immune-modulating treatment that helps your immune system to fight cancer.

Can I take Revlimid if I’m going to have surgery?

Yes, you can. However, Revlimid may raise your risk of getting infections after the surgery. If you need to have surgery, tell your doctor that you...

If I have leukemia, can I take Revlimid for treatment?

No. Revlimid hasn’t been approved for the treatment of leukemia. It’s only approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome...

Can Revlimid cause other cancers to occur?

It’s possible. In clinical studies, people who took Revlimid had a higher risk of developing new cancers. This included leukemia, myelodysplastic s...

Can I take Revlimid while pregnant?

No, pregnant women should not take Revlimid. It can cause miscarriages and severe birth defects. Talk with your doctor about treating your cancer i...

Do I have to register for the Revlimid REMS program?

Yes. Revlimid is only prescribed to people who enroll in the Revlimid Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. This program’s purpos...

Can I buy Revlimid in any pharmacy?

No, only pharmacies enrolled in the Revlimid REMS program can dispense Revlimid. Ask your doctor if you aren’t sure where you can get Revlimid. The...

Do I need prior authorization to get Revlimid?

Probably. Many health insurers require prior authorization (preapproval) before agreeing to cover Revlimid. Your doctor must request prior authoriz...

What are the side effects of Revlimid?

To make sure Revlimid is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: 1 an allergic reaction to thalidomide; 2 kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); 3 liver disease; 4 a blood clots or stroke; 5 high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides; 6 a thyroid disorder; or 7 lactose intolerance.

What is Revlimid used for?

Revlimid is used to treat multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer), either in combination with another medicine or after stem cell transplant. Revlimid is also used to treat anemia (a lack of red blood cells) in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome caused by an abnormal chromosome. This disorder is also called deletion 5q MDS, ...

How do you know if you have a stroke?

signs of a stroke or blood clot - sudden numbness or weakness, severe headache, problems with speech or vision, shortness of breath, swelling or redness in your arm or leg; heart attack symptoms - chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sweating;

Can you take Revlimid while pregnant?

Never use Revlimid if you are pregnant. Even one dose of lenalidomide can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects or death of a baby if the mother or the father is taking this medicine at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Use birth control to prevent pregnancy, whether you are a man or a woman.

Can Revlimid cause birth defects?

Revlimid can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects or death of a baby if the mother or the father is taking this medicine at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Even one dose of lenalidomide can cause major birth defects of the baby's arms and legs, bones, ears, eyes, face, and heart.

Can Revlimid cause cancer?

lactose intolerance. Using Revlimid may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma.

Can you put rubber gloves on a patient?

This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit). Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

How much Revlimid is given?

In this combination, Revlimid is administered at a starting dose of 25 mg once daily on days 1–21 for each 28-day cycle. The dose of dexamethasone is usually 40 mg and is given on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of each 28-day cycle. For patients over 75 years of age, the starting dose of dexamethasone is 20 mg.

Who is Mindy Flinn?

Mindy Flinn joined the MMRF in May 2020 as the Vice President of Development where she works with a talented team raising philanthropic support for the organization. She brings over 23 years of development experience to this position. Ms. Flinn spent over a decade in development at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and in Jacksonville, FL, where she oversaw the stewardship of top-level benefactors and served as a major gift officer. She also worked for the LIVESTRONG Foundation in Austin, TX as a major gift officer and was Director of Philanthropic Resources at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. Prior to joining the MMRF, she was Senior Director of Development at Yale School of Medicine. Ms. Flinn received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bethel University and a Master of Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch University. Her additional accomplishments include successfully climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2012 as a member of Survivor Summit and skydiving.

What is the name of the drug that is used to treat multiple myeloma?

Revlimid , also known as lenalidomide, is an oral cancer drug that is used for the treatment of multiple myeloma. It is part of a class of drugs called immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), which work against cancer cells partly by supporting the function of the immune system. Revlimid is manufactured by Celgene.

Who is the chief scientific officer of the MMRF?

Dr. Daniel Auclair is the Chief Scientific Officer for the MMRF and has been with the organization for over a decade. He is responsible for oversight of the development and execution of the organization’s scientific plan. In addition, he is responsible for all the MMRF preclinical and translational activities. Dr, Auclair is also deeply involved in the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC), a network of 25 multiple myeloma centers of excellence across the U.S. through which 82 multiple myeloma clinic trials have been run to date.

What is a high impact topic video?

High impact topic videos, or HITs, are videos that use engaging animations and narration to present information on topics of importance to myeloma patients and their caregivers. Presented in a patient-friendly manner and viewable on iPads, tablets, and smartphones, these HITs bring to life and explain concepts that can sometimes be difficult for patients and caregivers to understand.

Who is Michael Andreini?

Michael Andreini – President and Chief Executive Officer. Michael Andreini is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) and the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC).

Does Patti have multiple myeloma?

Patti has smoldering myeloma and had no signs or symptoms of her disease when she was diagnosed. During her annual physical her bloodwork came back abnormal, so her physician ordered further testing. Patti is now in a study where some of the smoldering patients receive Revlimid for treatment and the remaining patients remain under observation without treatment. The test is to see if the medication will help eradicate the smoldering Multiple Myeloma. As a result of the study, Patti now gets blood tests every month and every year she will get a PET scan and bone biopsy to keep an eye on the status of her Multiple Myeloma.

What is Revlimid used for?

It is a treatment for myeloma and blood disorders called myelodysplastic syndromes. You may also have it as part of clinical trials for other types of cancer.

How does lenalidomide work?

How it works. Researchers are still finding out exactly how lenalidomide works. It affects all sorts of cell processes, including how cells divide and grow. We know that it interferes with chemicals that cells use to signal to each other to grow.

Why do I feel cold and unwell?

Increased risk of getting an infection is due to a drop in white blood cells. Symptoms include a change in temperature, aching muscles, headaches, feeling cold and shivery and generally unwell. You might have other symptoms depending on where the infection is. Infections can sometimes be life threatening.

Where do blood clots form?

Blood clots can develop in the deep veins of your body, usually the leg. This is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A blood clot can be very serious if it travels to your lungs (pulmonary embolism), although this isn’t common.

Why do I have red spots on my arms and legs?

This is due to a drop in the number of platelets in your blood. These blood cells help the blood to clot when we cut ourselves. You may have nosebleeds or bleeding gums after brushing your teeth. Or you may have lots of tiny red spots or bruises on your arms or legs (known as petechiae).

What do they check before and during a chemo treatment?

You have blood tests before and during your treatment. They check your levels of blood cells and other substances in the blood. They also check how well your liver and kidneys are working.

How often should I take lenalidomide?

You take lenalidomide every day for 3 weeks and then have a break for 1 week. This is one cycle of treatment. You then start the next cycle. If you forget to take lenalidomide at your regular time but less than 12 hours have passed, take the capsule straight away.

What is Revlimid used for?

Revlimid can be taken by people with the following types of cancer that affect blood cells: multiple myeloma.

How much Revlimid should I take?

If you have follicular and marginal zone lymphoma, you should take 20 mg of Revlimid daily. You’ll take Revlimid on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle (see “Dosing cycles” above). You won’t take Revlimid on days 22 to 28 of the cycle.

How long does it take for multiple myeloma to stop?

In comparison, the progression of multiple myeloma was stopped for 21.2 months in people taking melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide. To learn about Revlimid’s effectiveness in treating other types of cancer, see the “Revlimid for other uses” section.

What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction?

flushing (warmth and redness in your skin) A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include: swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat. trouble breathing.

How long does it take for a cold to go away?

infections in your lungs or digestive tract. Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does Revlimid cause fever?

Revlimid can cause neutropenia (low levels of white blood cells). In some cases, neutropenia can lead to febrile neutropenia, which is a rapid rise in body temperature. People with febrile neutropenia have a fever higher than 100°F (38°C) for more than 1 hour.

What is Velcade used for?

Velcade is used to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. Revlimid contains the drug lenalidomide. Velcade contains the drug bortezomib. Revlimid and Velcade belong to different classes of medications, so the way they work in your body is different.

What is Revlimid used for?

Lenalidomide (Revlimid®) is a Chemotherapy Regimen for Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) How does Lenalidomide work? Lenalidomide is designed to help the bone marrow produce more healthy and normal functioning cells. It is particularly effective in patients with MDS who are missing a piece of one of their chromosomes.

How long does lenalidomide last?

Usual starting dose: Lenalidomide 10 mg oral capsule by mouth once daily for 21 days in a 28-day Cycle. Lenalidomide is dispensed by a specialty pharmacy in the R.E.M.S. Program and taken at home.

What is a mindset?

Our mindsets describe for us what is right, what is possible, and what is natural. Changing our mindset often requires a combination of education and communication with others. In general, mindsets can be shaped by our education and experiences, people we trust, the media, social networks, culture, or religion.

How to get rid of stomach acid?

Eating soda crackers every couple of hours may help to absorb some of the acid in your stomach. Your nurse may recommend ginger ale, ginger chews, peppermints, or bland foods when you are feeling nauseated. Ensure you are maintaining proper hydration since being dehydrated can make nausea worse.

Can you take pain medication before a biopsy?

You may request sedative medications prior to the procedure if you have anxiety. You should arrange to have someone drive you home if you take anxiety medications or receive pain medications prior to the procedure. You may have discomfort around the biopsy area and experience soreness for a few days afterwards.

What is the primary caregiver?

Caregivers can be partners, children, parents, siblings, friends, or colleagues. Importantly, the needs of the person receiving treatment may first grow and not decrease until that person feels better. As a result, the primary caregiver may take on more tasks, such as cooking, laundry, house cleaning, or child care.

What is the best diet for diarrhea?

Be sure to speak to your nurse and care team before attempting to manage diarrhea at home. You should then consider trying the B.R.A.T. diet (banana, rice, applesauce, toast, oatmeal, or crackers) or bland food s.

What does it mean when your arm is red?

pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg. red skin lesions, often with a purple center. red, irritated eyes. sensitivity to heat. slowed heartbeat. stomach pain, continuing. swelling of the feet or lower legs. trouble sleeping. troubled breathing.

What are the side effects of a syringe?

trouble swallowing. unsteadiness or awkwardness. upper abdomen or stomach pain. voice changes. weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet. Incidence not known. Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings. sensation of spinning. Managing side effects (general information)

Can lenalidomide cause birth defects?

Lenalidomide may cause birth defects or embryo fetal death and should not be used during pregnancy. Exclude pregnancy before starting treatment with 2 negative pregnancy tests. Prevent pregnancy with abstinence or 2 reliable contraception methods, during treatment and for 4 weeks after treatment.

Is lenalidomide used for multiple myeloma?

Risk of venous and arterial thromboembolism ( DVT, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, and stroke) is significantly increased in patients with multiple myeloma who are treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone therapy. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended and should be based on underlying risks.

Does lenalidomide go away?

Some side effects of lenalidomide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

What is Revlimid used for?

REVLIMID®(lenalidomide) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a condition called myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). REVLIMID is for the type of MDS with a chromosome problem where part of chromosome 5 is missing. This type of MDS is known as deletion 5q MDS.

What are the symptoms of a blood clot in the lung?

Call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you get any of the following during treatment with REVLIMID: Signs or symptoms of a blood clot in the lung, arm, or leg may include:shortness of breath, chest pain, or arm or leg swelling.

Can you donate sperm while taking Revlimid?

Do not donate sperm while taking REVLIMID, during any breaks (interruptions) in your treatment, and for 4 weeks after stopping REVLIMID. If a female becomes pregnant with your sperm, the baby may be exposed to REVLIMID and may be born with birth defects.

Can Revlimid cause side effects?

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take,including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. REVLIMID and other medicines may affect each other, causing serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking any new medicines.

Can you use condoms with Revlimid?

Males, including those who have had a vasectomy, must always use a latex or synthetic condom during any sexual contact with a pregnant female or a female that can become pregnant while taking REVLIMID, during any breaks (interruptions) in your treatment with REVLIMID, and for up to 4 weeks after stopping REVLIMID.

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How Does It Work?

Lenalidomide is used to treat various types of cancers.

May Treat: Follicular lymphoma · Malignancy · Mantle cell lymphoma · Marginal zone lymphoma · Multiple myeloma and more

Drug Class: Antineoplastic - Thalidomide Analogs

Availability: Prescription Required

Pregnancy: Do not use. This medication may be harmful to an unborn child.

Lactation: This drug should not be given to breastfeeding mothers

May Treat: Follicular lymphoma · Malignancy · Mantle cell lymphoma · Marginal zone lymphoma · Multiple myeloma and more

Drug Class: Antineoplastic - Thalidomide Analogs

Availability: Prescription Required

Pregnancy: Do not use. This medication may be harmful to an unborn child.

Lactation: This drug should not be given to breastfeeding mothers

Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication

Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution

Manufacturer: CELGENE/BMS

Precautions

  • Before use, important to read the Medication Guide
  • Avoid pregnancy, causing pregnancy or nursing.
  • Use female birth control and male condoms.

  • Before use, important to read the Medication Guide
  • Avoid pregnancy, causing pregnancy or nursing.
  • Use female birth control and male condoms.
  • Swallow whole. Do not break/chew/crush/dissolve
  • May make you dizzy. Use caution when driving.
  • Watch for heart attack, stroke & blood clot signs
  • Call MD now for fever, chills, cough or fatigue.
  • Lab tests may be ordered to monitor therapy

How Is Revlimid given?

Serious Side Effects

Additional Information

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