[lquick]

Post Treatment care

by lquick on Fri May 20, 2011 11:10 pm

My husband has just completed treatment and I need to know about long term care. He is still taking Thalidomide which I understand to be a immune system surpressant. Does that mean it is easier for him to catch viruses too?

[Dr. Edward Libby]

Re: Post Treatment care

by Dr. Edward Libby on Sat May 21, 2011 11:18 pm

Hello lquick,
Although thalidomide and lenalidomide (Revlimid) are referred to as immunomodulatory drugs (immune modulating) they generally do not lower the bodies resistance to infection. It is usually the steroids that are added to these drugs that lower ones resistance to infection. Viral infections are generally not a major issue for patients taking thalidomide or Revlimid. You do not need to have major concerns about viruses.
All the best