[rcman]

Shortness of breath while on Pomalyst

by rcman on Wed Sep 09, 2015 1:03 pm

Anyone having any shortness of breath problems while on Pomalyst?

[Melpen]

Re: Shortness of breath while on Pomalyst

by Melpen on Thu Sep 10, 2015 11:38 am

Yes, rcman, I had severe shortness of breath on Pomalyst. I was on 4 mg for 9 days and also ex­perienced the following:

• Rash that went away after 4 days
• Very lightheaded (couldn't drive) and the lightheadedness got worse each day
• Shortness of breath (even in sleep breathing was labored according to husband)
• Very constipated with rectal bleeding
• Fatigue
• Fever on and off and generally not feeling well.

Called the oncologist when fever reached 101 F (38.3 C) and they wanted me in the ER ASAP for CT chest scan and chest X-ray (worried about embolism). No embolism found, but put on two antibiotics. Chest CT report reads

"significant bibasilar dependent groundglass opaci­fi­cation. This may be consistent with atelectasis or any pneumonitis."

Something obviously happened to lungs and breathing that was drug related, since I was fine before the drug.

I've been off Pomalyst for one week now and all side effects have gradually resolved as time takes me away from the drug. However, now I don't know what my options are to get cancer down. Perhaps 2 or 1 mg of Pomalyst might work? I did not have any big problems with Revlimid at 25 mg, so I was surprised how the Pomalyst knocked me out since the drugs are in the same family. During ASCT I never ran a fever and never felt so terrible as I did on the Pomalyst. I was hoping Pomalyst would be "the drug" for me, so I am feeling discouraged.

Anyone else have similar experience on Pomalyst? Did lowering the dose help?

[rcman]

Re: Shortness of breath while on Pomalyst

by rcman on Thu Sep 10, 2015 1:44 pm

Sorry to hear you are having the same problems. Like you, I'm off of the Pomalyst right now and everything got better. Will be seeing the oncologist next week and we will discuss other op­tions. if any. I feel so good now and hate to go back to feeling so bad again, is it worth it? I thought Poma­lyst would be the answer also, no problems with the Revlimid.

Thanks for your post and wish you better health.

[rcman]

Re: Shortness of breath while on Pomalyst

by rcman on Sat Oct 10, 2015 4:10 pm

I have been using Breo ((fluticasone and vilanterol) for the shortness of breath and it has really helped me. My pulmonary doctor put me on it as I also have severe COPD.

The Pomalyst has really been giving me problems. I just started the 2 mg to see if things change, will keep you posted. Never had problems with the Revlimid like I am having now. Also problems with weight loss and no appetite. I was off the Pomalyst and the Velcade for 13 days while on vacation and everything was great. Why can't they come up with better side effects for these drugs?