[Ruchi]

Taking dex 5 days in a row with Revlimid?

by Ruchi on Fri Apr 03, 2015 1:02 pm

My mother had been diagnosed with solitary non-secretory plasmacytoma in 2011 after a pathological fracture. After that, she was put on Revlimid 10 mg on alternate days from August 2012 after her kappa/lambda ratio started increasing.

Now, again in January 2015, her kappa/lambda ratio went up to 14. So the doctor started her on dexamethasone and Revlimid cycle. She takes 20 mg dexamethasone for 5 days in a row (10 mg in the morning and 10 mg in the evening) and 10 mg Revlimid with 3 weeks on and 1 week off.

I am a regular follower of this forum, and from what I have read it seems that normally doctors prescribe dex once every week. My concern here is that my mother has a lot of side effects with dex. She is energetic on the days of dex but, once she stops it, she had insomnia, diarrhea, and fatigue to the extent that she is almost bedridden for 2-3 days.

So is it ok if she takes dex without a break for 5 days? Or is it advised for just once a week? Also, after starting dex, she now has very frequent GI issues. She very easily gets gas, which I am not sure if it's the Revlimid or the dex that's causing it.

Just wanted to know if anyone else here also has been on dex for 5 days in a row. Also if people have experienced gastric issues with Revlimid or dex, and if there are any suggestions like what to take and what to avoid.

[blair77]

Re: Taking dex 5 days in a row with Revlimid?

by blair77 on Mon Apr 06, 2015 1:44 am

I haven't heard of people taking the dex 5 days in a row. When my husband was on RVD (Revlimid, Velcade, dexamethasone), the dex was once a week on his Velcade day (3 weeks on, 1 week off).

[cdnirene]

Re: Taking dex 5 days in a row with Revlimid?

by cdnirene on Mon Apr 06, 2015 12:51 pm

When I was diagnosed, I was started on Velcade once a week and 40 mg dex 4 days in a row, 4 days off, 4 days in a row, etc. After the first month, the dex dosage was changed to once a week on Velcade day.

[DuckJibe]

Re: Taking dex 5 days in a row with Revlimid?

by DuckJibe on Sat Apr 18, 2015 8:47 am

Hello there,

According to everything I read, 40mg/wk of Dex should be close to the maximum dose the experts recommend. Five (5) consecutive days at 20mg/day result in a 100mg/wk dose , that is quite high. Recent Studies have shown that higher doses (greater than 40mg/wk) are not beneficial and rather detrimental. I would discuss the issue with your doctor asap.

Good luck