[stefania888]

Pomalyst rash after allogeneic transplant

by stefania888 on Tue Jun 04, 2019 11:01 am

Hello,

I had an allogeneic (donor) stem cell transplant in February and recently went on Pomalyst (pomalidomide, Imnovid) 2 days a week to help boost my immune system. I had been on Pomalyst prior to the transplant for about a year before the disease became refractory. The previous time I was on Pomalyst, the only side effect I had was fatigue, but now that I am back on it, I have developed a rash all over my body. It didn't itch the first week I had it and came under control with a topical steroid. After my dose last week, the rash is back and is more pronounced, but tolerable.

Is it common to experience this side effect of Pomalyst after a transplant when it didn't occur before teh transplant?

For what it's worth, my doctor doesn't seem terribly concerned about the rash.

Thanks,
Stephanie

[ZippyZelda]

Re: Pomalyst rash after allogeneic transplant

by ZippyZelda on Thu Jun 06, 2019 9:33 pm

Hello Stephanie,

Sorry to hear of the rash you are currently experienc­ing. From what I read, there are two treat­ment concerns: having an allogeneic transplant; and, taking Pomalyst (pomalidomide); also, determining whether they are mutually non exclusive. You mention, your physician “doesn’t seem terribly concerned about the rash;” hence, it appears he believes the two are mutually exclusive (one does not have anything to do with the other).

As both (allogeneic transplant and Pomalyst) are considered treatments, an allogeneic trans­plant has numerous possible side effects, without taking into consideration the medications taken. Also, there are numerous possible side effects of taking Pomalsyt (pomalidomide); one of the multiple side effects listed in the Pomalyst (pomalidomide) Medication Guide is “severe allergic reactions and severe skin reactions.”

My spouse is currently on a three-drug cocktail including 2 mg Pomalyst (21 days of 28 day cycle); however, 20 mg of famotidine (Pepcid) is taken in conjunction with Pomlayst to reduce possible side effects. Though, random side effects still appear.

By chance, do you take famotidine in conjunction with the Pomalyst?

Best
ZZ

[stefania888]

Re: Pomalyst rash after allogeneic transplant

by stefania888 on Mon Jun 10, 2019 11:27 am

I do not take Pepcid (famotidine). I take pantoprazole (Protonix). I know that one of the side effects of Pomalyst is skin reactions. I am just wondering why this is occurring after the transplant when I never had this reaction to it while taking it prior to the transplant. I wonder if it is the reaction of the donor immune system to the Pomalyst.

[stefania888]

Re: Pomalyst rash after allogeneic transplant

by stefania888 on Tue Jun 11, 2019 3:30 pm

I spoke with my specialist today. He says it is the donor immune system reacting to the Pomalyst. We are putting me on a less frequent dose to see if that helps.