[NStewart]

Re: How well are the side effects of dexamethason handled ?

by NStewart on Thu Feb 14, 2013 5:44 pm

During induction therapy I was taking 40 mg of Dex per week and really struggling with it. When my oncologist started me on maintenance Revlimid following the ASCT it was without Dex. I only lasted 5 days on maintenance because of some side effects i was having with the Revlimid. I recently restarted treatment with Revlimid and Dex. When asked how I did with 40 mg I told the oncologist that it was horrible. He changed my dose to 20 mg per week.

I take it at night so that I sleep that first night and have the sweats during the night. By the 2nd night it's beginning to wear off so I can sleep the 2nd night, too. On the 3rd day is when I have my crash, but not as badly as with 40 mg. This occurs on Sunday since I take the Dex on Thursday nights.

Have you asked your oncologist if it's necessary for you to continue taking the Dex since your cancer load is so low? I would suggest that you do that since the low dose that you are taking is still causing you problems.

Nancy in Phila

[genk]

Re: How well are the side effects of dexamethason handled ?

by genk on Fri Mar 01, 2013 8:58 am

To NSTEWART

I asked about dropping the Dex but my doctor told me that it makes the Revilmid work better. I did read a report on this website that a lower dose of steroids can be easier on the kidneys and it is possible that a multiple myeloma patient could be on this treatment a longer period. It seems to be one of the least invasive forms of treatment.

[Stan W.]

Re: How well are the side effects of dexamethason handled ?

by Stan W. on Wed Mar 13, 2013 4:53 pm

When told I needed to start treatment, I told the doctor I didn't want Dex but, I could tolerate Prednisone. I take 50mg every other day for 3 days (Mon, Wed & Fri).
The side effects of Dex scared me.