[wesley]

Multiple myeloma and strokes

by wesley on Sat Oct 28, 2017 11:54 am

I've been on 10 mg Revlimid for 3 years and had a transplant in January 2014 and have recently experienced two strokes in the last two weeks. Thankfully, my overall prognosis is positive, with no anticipated long-term effects, but I am curious about any relationship between multiple myeloma and stroke activity, or if the strokes might be related to the Revlimid and Xarelto (rivaroxaban) that I'm taking.

My myeloma specialist is aware of this and has not weighed in yet.

[ZippyZelda]

Re: Multiple myeloma and strokes

by ZippyZelda on Sat Oct 28, 2017 2:43 pm

Hello Wesley,

The relationship with strokes has more to do with Revlimid, unfortunately. The Revlimid prescribing information approved by the FDA has more information on the subject:

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/021880s051lbl.pdf

The relationship with Revlimid and stroke / cardiac issues is the reason why my spouse also takes low dose aspirin (81 mg) as a blood thinner. No experience with Xarelto as blood thinner.

Best,
ZZ

[lwem]

Re: Multiple myeloma and strokes

by lwem on Sat Oct 28, 2017 2:50 pm

My understanding is that the myeloma itself puts myeloma sufferers at greater risk for thrombo­embolic events due to excess proteins in the blood at times. I also understand that the treatments put you at higher risk for stroke as well.

My husband had clots in his legs recently; he has not been on treatment for a while, so I believe the DVT's were the result of his multiple myeloma (which was relapsing at the time).

Have you had any recent blood work?

Laurie