[Secretary]

Dexamethasone

by Secretary on Wed May 18, 2011 7:58 pm

Does anyone know why we have to take a steroid with the Revlimid? My oncologist refers to the combination as a 'recipe'. It has thrown me for a loop the last couple days and am just wondering.

[Christa's Mom]

Re: Dexamethasone

by Christa's Mom on Thu May 19, 2011 12:57 pm

I'm so sorry you are having trouble with dex. I don't think it is anyone's favorite drug!

The International Multiple Myelmoa Foundation publishes a pamphlet on Dexamethsone and other steroids. You can download it from their website. You may find some information in there that will answer your questions.

All the best,

Lyn

[Andrew12]

Re: Dexamethasone

by Andrew12 on Thu May 19, 2011 1:03 pm

As surprising as it might be, dexamethasone is actually very effective at treating myeloma. Before Revlimid and some of these newer drugs, I think docs often treated myeloma with just dex. Basically, they still use dex because Rev/dex is more effective than just Rev.

[Dr. Edward Libby]

Re: Dexamethasone

by Dr. Edward Libby on Fri May 20, 2011 5:03 pm

Hello,
Steroids actually have an anti-myeloma effect when used alone. They also potentiate the effect of other drugs like Revlimid and Velcade. Steroids have been used for many decades for myeloma but their effect when used alone is minimal and brief. Steroids have many bad side effects (as any myeloma patient can tell you !) therefore we limit the dose and combine them with other agents for maximal and longest lasting effect while minimizing toxicity.
All the best