I was diagnosed with smoldering myeloma a year ago. Six months ago when my creatinine started to rise I was started on Velcade / Cytoxan [cyclophosphamide] / dex 4 out of 5 weeks for 4 cycles. My kappa light chains have come down to 400 and paraprotein [M-spike] to 0.9 g/dL.
Unfortunately, my creatinine is still 1.8-2.1. My myeloma specialist has decided to switch me to Revlimid / dex - 25mg / 40 mg for two cycles, and then lower the dose. I am not wild about the fatigue side effect, but I can tolerate it for two months.
Now on to my question. When I was initially started on therapy, I was also started on acyclovir and Septra (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim). My creatinine went up significantly and both were discontinued. I have not restarted them.
My specialist wants me to start taking acyclovir again. I did have the shingles shot 10 years ago. I am a little reluctant to take it again and risk any further renal damage.
Are most people on acyclovir that are taking Revlimid / dex?
Thanks for your thoughts
Forums
8 posts
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Re: Are you on acyclovir while taking Revlimid?
Hi fetalsono,
I'm no longer on Revlimid, but was for many months. I've been taking valcyclovir (Valtrex) throughout my treatment -- partly due to my previous breakouts of cold sores, and partly as post ASCT [autologous stem cell transplant] precautions.
So far, kidneys have not been a problem for me. My myeloma is more aggressive on my bones.
Hopefully others will chime in. I believe it's a common drug after a stem cell transplant, but I'm not sure how often it's prescribed otherwise.
All the best to you.
I'm no longer on Revlimid, but was for many months. I've been taking valcyclovir (Valtrex) throughout my treatment -- partly due to my previous breakouts of cold sores, and partly as post ASCT [autologous stem cell transplant] precautions.
So far, kidneys have not been a problem for me. My myeloma is more aggressive on my bones.
Hopefully others will chime in. I believe it's a common drug after a stem cell transplant, but I'm not sure how often it's prescribed otherwise.
All the best to you.
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Joy - Name: Joy
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: Are you on acyclovir while taking Revlimid?
I am on acyclovir while on consolidation following an autologous transplant last February. I will remain on acyclovir and Bactrim and penicillin until I am one year out from transplant. I take Revlimid / dex for consolidation. I also took the antibiotics last fall during initial therapy last fall (Revlimid / dex then as well). My sense is that this is a common approach.
Wesley
Wesley
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wesley - Who do you know with myeloma?: me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July, 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 60
Re: Are you on acyclovir while taking Revlimid?
I started CyBorD last August and was put on acyclovir. I was switched to Revlimid, Velcade and dex in November and have been on acyclovir all along. I am off all chemo now while I get ready for my SCT and I am still on it. But none of this has bothered me at all ... except for the dex making me a little crazy (I mean a little crazier than I actually am). I have had really no side effects to speak of.
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KimT - Name: Kim Tank
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 53
Re: Are you on acyclovir while taking Revlimid?
Yes, I have been on acyclovir since Jan 2013. RVD induction, ASCT, RVD consolidation, and now Revlimid maintenance. No problems due to the acyclovir.
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mikeb - Name: mikeb
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2009 (MGUS at that time)
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Are you on acyclovir while taking Revlimid?
I have been on acyclovir since shortly after my SCT last November. 400 mg twice daily. After the 100 day mark, I started on 10 mg Revlimid once daily. I have never experienced any problems with the acyclovir, with or without the Revlimid.
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Blackbird - Name: Rick Crow
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Feb, 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 53
Re: Are you on acyclovir while taking Revlimid?
I was on it when I was first diagnosed and on a Velcade / prednisone treatment, but not with Revlimid.
As far s the Revlimid goes, I'm on my fourth regimen and while the first brought a fatigue that was very hard to accept, it has eased up considerably since.
As far s the Revlimid goes, I'm on my fourth regimen and while the first brought a fatigue that was very hard to accept, it has eased up considerably since.
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Wayne K - Name: Wayne
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself, my sister who passed in '95
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 03/09
- Age at diagnosis: 70
Re: Are you on acyclovir while taking Revlimid?
I started taking acyclovir when I was diagnosed with shingles 3 years ago. I have been taking it non-stop since then because of continuing problems in my left eye where the shingles was. At the time I wasn't on any treatment. I relapsed 18 months ago and started taking Revlimid 15 mg and dex 20 mg. I've been on that regimen since then until a month ago when the Revlimid was decreased to 10 mg. I haven't had any problems with kidney issues any time during my time since diagnosis. My ophthamologist says that I will be on acyclovir indefinitely.
Nancy in Phila
Nancy in Phila
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NStewart - Name: Nancy Stewart
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 3/08
- Age at diagnosis: 60
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