[RadiantTiger]

Low calcium and protein caused by treatment?

by RadiantTiger on Mon Jun 01, 2015 11:15 pm

I've completed 4 cycles of induction on Revlimid (25mg) / Velcade / dexamethosone. I've also had 1 dose of Zometa about 6 weeks ago.

Before I started treatment, my blood protein level was above the normal range and my calcium was normal, but in the high-end of normal. Now both my calcium and protein are below normal. Why have the drugs caused this?

Also I am vitamin D deficient and a regular dose 1000 mg D supplement did not help, so they put me on a 50,000 mg dose once a week.

On an unrelated note, I got shingles after cycle 4, so am on a two week break for shingles treatment (acyclovir) before cycle 5. Shingles, no doubt, are a result of my suppressed immune system. Not fun ...

Seeing the oncologist next week who will weigh in on this interesting question, but was curious what the answer was, or at least possible theories.

RT

[Bar-none]

Re: Low calcium and protein caused by treatment?

by Bar-none on Mon Jun 01, 2015 11:36 pm

Hi RT,

Increased risk of shingles is a known risk of Velcade use. I was put on valacyclovir when I started Velcade and remain on it today.

http://www.Velcade.com/Treatment-with-velcade/Possible-side-effects

I'm curious why you were not put on an anti-viral when you started Velcade?

Thanks! BN

[RadiantTiger]

Re: Low calcium and protein caused by treatment?

by RadiantTiger on Tue Jun 02, 2015 12:48 am

Hi Bar-none,

Interesting about continuous use of valacyclovir. Does it also have side effects?

RT

[Bar-none]

Re: Low calcium and protein caused by treatment?

by Bar-none on Tue Jun 02, 2015 9:12 am

Hey RT,

I haven't had any side effects from the valacyclovir. I take a 500 mg every morning. There are side effects possible I read, but I haven't seen any issues at all.

Also with the Revlimid comes an increased DVT blood clot risk, so I have been taking a 40 mg Lovenox generic injection every day.

Best! BN