[Karen]

Rosacea side effect to Revlimid or Dex?

by Karen on Fri Aug 12, 2011 3:38 pm

Hi everyone,

I'm happy to report that I've finished my clinical trial and am now on a maintenance regimen of 25 mg of Revlimid (21 days on, 7 off) and 40 mg of decadron (once a week.) During the trial I was also receiving twice-weekly injections of Velcade. My blood work is all normal at this point and my latest bone marrow biopsy showed less than 1% cancer cells (as opposed to about 15% before I started treatment.) I did have a stem cell harvest but my doctor says he sees no need for a transplant in the immediate future. I'm also continuing with Zometa infusions once a month.

My current question is this: While I was in the trial I noticed a small amount of reddening/blotchiness on either side of my nose (rosacea?) Now that I've started the maintenance program it seems to have gotten worse. Since I'm on the same dose of Revlimid I'm wondering if it could be due to the higher dose of decadron? Are either of these drugs known for causing this side effect? And is there anything I can do about it other than using makeup?

Thanks!

Karen

[NStewart]

Re: Rosacea side effect to Revlimid or Dex?

by NStewart on Mon Aug 15, 2011 10:14 am

Karen-
When I was taking the 40 mg of Dex I would get bright red cheeks for 2-3 days after the dose. It went away and then came back after the next dose. Once I stopped taking Dex it disappeared all together.
Nancy

[Sarah]

Re: Rosacea side effect to Revlimid or Dex?

by Sarah on Tue Aug 23, 2011 12:42 pm

My husband had 6 cycles of Velcade/Dex, and had the rosy cheeks.

Saturday, he started on 10 mg. Revlimid, daily and 40 mg. Dex, weekly. This a.m., he got up itching and has begun to have a rash, on the inside of his arms, and on his stomach. Based on what I've read; the itch and rash is a side-effect of the Revlimid.