I am now on my third round of Cytoxan-Velcade-dexamethasone [CyBorD, VCD].
By and large, I have had no side effects after treatment (except I eat everything in the pantry the night following treatment). I have, however, developed inflammation of my lower lids on two occasions, and one stye in the lid. The ophthalmologist said these are due to plugged glands, similar to acne (non-infectious). I am wondering if the steroids are the culprit.
Anyone else with a similar problem?
Thanks
Forums
Re: Eye inflammation or stye from Cytoxan-Velcade-dex?
No eye issues, but I am definitely getting some acne on treatment and not where I got it as a teen. Just starting month 5 of CyBorD induction. I am also having major munchies and have put on 10 pounds in the 4 months. Don't know which med is causing it.
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KWeisman - Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 12/2012
- Age at diagnosis: 47
Re: Eye inflammation or stye from Cytoxan-Velcade-dex?
I have been on Velcade, Revlimid, and dexamethasone, and then an auto stem cell transplant. Now I am on Velcade maintenance for four years.
I too have an ongoing intermittent eye pore clogging problem. I have these white pustules outbreaks about 5 times a year. This is a chronic problem that I am learning to live with.
I just told my oncology nurse and she said that some of her other myeloma patients have had this same issue. I never dreamed this was related to my treatment. Thanks for bringing this issue out.
I too have an ongoing intermittent eye pore clogging problem. I have these white pustules outbreaks about 5 times a year. This is a chronic problem that I am learning to live with.
I just told my oncology nurse and she said that some of her other myeloma patients have had this same issue. I never dreamed this was related to my treatment. Thanks for bringing this issue out.
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Susan b-h
Re: Eye inflammation or stye from Cytoxan-Velcade-dex?
Yes, it's the Velcade. I have the same thing and got the same explanation of plugged tear ducts.
I've tried a few things, but the only thing that works is heat. I have a gel eye mask that I heat in a mug of hot water. I then try to keep it on my eyes for minimum of 4-5 minutes as warm as I can stand it. It will get things opened up. Sometimes are worse than others and I have to do it several times a day but mostly morning before my shower and in the evening before bed.
My eyes are really dry as a result, so I use Restasis to help since I wear contacts. It's annoying but you just learn to deal with it.
I've tried a few things, but the only thing that works is heat. I have a gel eye mask that I heat in a mug of hot water. I then try to keep it on my eyes for minimum of 4-5 minutes as warm as I can stand it. It will get things opened up. Sometimes are worse than others and I have to do it several times a day but mostly morning before my shower and in the evening before bed.
My eyes are really dry as a result, so I use Restasis to help since I wear contacts. It's annoying but you just learn to deal with it.
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Joni B
Re: Eye inflammation or stye from Cytoxan-Velcade-dex?
I also had some eye inflammation following a Velcade injection. Though I was taking Revlimid and dexamethasone, I know it was the Velcade because it came on within 90 minutes of the injection. Plus, the rash was bi-lateral -- equal across both eyelids, a horizontal line of red that migrated to the corners of my eyeballs within a day.
Had to go to the ER because it happened on a Saturday. Got a CT scan of my head and saw an ophthamologist, no problems detected other than the eye rash. Kept up with the treatments and this particular problem did not return. Later, after the four 3-week cycles of the chemo were over, I ended-up with problems of neuropathy and a few other side-effects.
I'll write about those at another time. Best to all.
Timm
Had to go to the ER because it happened on a Saturday. Got a CT scan of my head and saw an ophthamologist, no problems detected other than the eye rash. Kept up with the treatments and this particular problem did not return. Later, after the four 3-week cycles of the chemo were over, I ended-up with problems of neuropathy and a few other side-effects.
I'll write about those at another time. Best to all.
Timm
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MrTimmerman - Name: MrTimmerman
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: September 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 59
Re: Eye inflammation or stye from Cytoxan-Velcade-dex?
Greetings. I was diagnosed with blepharitis of the eye, attributed to Velcade-Revlimid-dex etc ...(bio-chemo meds) and rosacea. There are very expensive wipes for the eyelid, or you can use baby shampoo to clean, no more than 3x week, eye lubricating drops, and heat message.
Best suggestion by ophthalmologist was to increase my omega 3 intake. I too was riddled with blocked pores, a stye that had to be surgically removed, coupled with blurred vision. The omega 3 has had a huge difference in my skin, and eyes. If I miss taking it, it is visible (literally).
Good luck.
Best suggestion by ophthalmologist was to increase my omega 3 intake. I too was riddled with blocked pores, a stye that had to be surgically removed, coupled with blurred vision. The omega 3 has had a huge difference in my skin, and eyes. If I miss taking it, it is visible (literally).
Good luck.
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Mummsey007
Re: Eye inflammation or stye from Cytoxan-Velcade-dex?
Hello hello from sunny Seattle,
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids that causes redness and swelling of the lids. The best treatment of blepharitis is careful cleansing of the eyelids and glands in the eyelidelids. This can be done with simple measures such as GENTLE warm compresses, lid massage, and lid washing.
If gentle cleansing of your eyelids several times a day does not improve the symptoms, your doctor may prescribe topical antibiotics or other medicines to treat this condition. Interestingly, steroids are sometimes used to treat blepharitis.
I cannot find anything in the medical literature clearly linking this condition to chemotherapy routinely used in the treatment of multiple myeloma.
Best of luck to all of you Beacon readers struggling with this condition. If it doesn't get better, you should see your primary care doctor or an ophthalmologist.
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids that causes redness and swelling of the lids. The best treatment of blepharitis is careful cleansing of the eyelids and glands in the eyelidelids. This can be done with simple measures such as GENTLE warm compresses, lid massage, and lid washing.
If gentle cleansing of your eyelids several times a day does not improve the symptoms, your doctor may prescribe topical antibiotics or other medicines to treat this condition. Interestingly, steroids are sometimes used to treat blepharitis.
I cannot find anything in the medical literature clearly linking this condition to chemotherapy routinely used in the treatment of multiple myeloma.
Best of luck to all of you Beacon readers struggling with this condition. If it doesn't get better, you should see your primary care doctor or an ophthalmologist.
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Dr. Edward Libby - Name: Edward Libby, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
Re: Eye inflammation or stye from Cytoxan-Velcade-dex?
This issue got me curious, so I poked around a bit in the prescribing information for Velcade, Cytoxan, or dexamethasone to see if there's any mention of any of the drugs causing inflammation of the eyelids.
As Dr. Libby indicated, there isn't. While it's mentioned that Velcade and Cytoxan can potentially causing eye inflammation, there isn't anything specific about the eyelids.
In the Velcade prescribing information, it's mentioned that "Diplopia and blurred vision, conjunctival infection, irritation" can be side effects of the drug.
In the Cytoxan prescribing information, it's mentioned that "visual impairment, conjunctivitis, lacrimation" can be side effects.
Also as Dr. Libby suggested, dex is described as being potentially useful for treating "Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye."
I also found this useful guide to treating eyelid inflammation (blepharitis),
http://www.aao.org/publications/eyenet/201207/cornea.cfm
It mentions some of the solutions that others already have mentioned in previous postings.
If you are interested, here are links to the prescribing information for Velcade, Cytoxan, and dex:
Velcade:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/021602s031s032lbl.pdf
Cytoxan: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/012141s090,012142s112lbl.pdf
dex:
http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=cca2c160-9188-48e8-9505-49a52388dcb7
As Dr. Libby indicated, there isn't. While it's mentioned that Velcade and Cytoxan can potentially causing eye inflammation, there isn't anything specific about the eyelids.
In the Velcade prescribing information, it's mentioned that "Diplopia and blurred vision, conjunctival infection, irritation" can be side effects of the drug.
In the Cytoxan prescribing information, it's mentioned that "visual impairment, conjunctivitis, lacrimation" can be side effects.
Also as Dr. Libby suggested, dex is described as being potentially useful for treating "Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye."
I also found this useful guide to treating eyelid inflammation (blepharitis),
http://www.aao.org/publications/eyenet/201207/cornea.cfm
It mentions some of the solutions that others already have mentioned in previous postings.
If you are interested, here are links to the prescribing information for Velcade, Cytoxan, and dex:
Velcade:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/021602s031s032lbl.pdf
Cytoxan: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/012141s090,012142s112lbl.pdf
dex:
http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=cca2c160-9188-48e8-9505-49a52388dcb7
Re: Eye inflammation or stye from Cytoxan-Velcade-dex?
I've had terrible inflammation on my eyelids. They are sore, red and swollen making it difficult, at times, to see. The worst of the symptoms last for over a week, followed by a rather hard lump on the lids ( both upper and lower). I've been told by my oncologist and an opthomologyst that, while not typical, it's a reaction to the Velcade. Other than cold compresses followed by warm compresses, not much helps.
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KarenR
Re: Eye inflammation or stye from Cytoxan-Velcade-dex?
Karen,
If you have a lump, then it may be a blocked gland. Do warm / hot compresses with vertical lid massage for 3 minutes twice a day. You can also use preservative-free artificial tears 2-4 times per day. If it doesn't go away, you may need a prescription drop or ointment.
I, too, am having eye issues. Not sure where you live, but the winter months make it worse!
Good luck!
If you have a lump, then it may be a blocked gland. Do warm / hot compresses with vertical lid massage for 3 minutes twice a day. You can also use preservative-free artificial tears 2-4 times per day. If it doesn't go away, you may need a prescription drop or ointment.
I, too, am having eye issues. Not sure where you live, but the winter months make it worse!
Good luck!
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gardengirl - Name: gardengirl
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Nov. 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 47
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