I'm glad to see your post about the rash. When I was getting Velcade at induction 10 months ago, I had irritation an the injection site, but nowhere else.
I started maintenance Velcade injections two weeks ago and have developed an itchy rash on my abdominal area, back, and arms. My doc withheld the Velcade injection due today and gave me a prescription of steroids to take over the next week to see I'd that helps.
I'm also taking Benadryl but that just seems to make me sleepy.
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Gary D - Name: Gary D
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: April 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 67
Re: Rash from Velcade injections - side effect?
I've been getting Velcade subcutaneous weekly for 4 months. I've had significant site reactions as well as various rashes in various places.
My local oncologist discussed these with my specialist and he recommended icing the site 20 minutes before and after. What a world of difference. Still gets red the next day, but no itching or flaking.
I wish I had known from the beginning. Simple enough to try and drug free! It also numbs the burning when injected. It seems the cold tissue allows the drug to absorb slowly, reducing the site reaction.
My local oncologist discussed these with my specialist and he recommended icing the site 20 minutes before and after. What a world of difference. Still gets red the next day, but no itching or flaking.
I wish I had known from the beginning. Simple enough to try and drug free! It also numbs the burning when injected. It seems the cold tissue allows the drug to absorb slowly, reducing the site reaction.
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loveparis - Name: loveparis
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: June, 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 61
Re: Rash from Velcade injections - side effect?
Loveparis,
In researching strategies for dealing with the Velcade rash, I have read that cold compresses are not recommended within four hours of administration of the drug in order to avoid pharmocokinetic changes. I have avoided using ice based on my reading of this article:
S Kurtin et al, "Subcutaneous Administration of Bortezomib: Strategies to Reduce Injection Site Reactions," Journal of Advanced Practitioner in Oncology, 2012 (full text at Pubmed Central)
I have shown this particular article to the head nurse at my infusion center. We went through all the strategies point by point (including the air bubble technique), and she assured me that the nurses at the center follow them faithfully.
Still, most of her patients, but not all, receiving subcutaneous Velcade develop the red rash to varying degrees. To date, she informed me, no one has figured out a specific strategy that works to prevent the rash. She suggested vitamin E, but was only mild in her recommendation.
I myself have tried aloe vera and hydrocortisone, which other patients have also tried, to obtain relief. My rash usually flares up at the injection site the day after and begins to subside about two days later. I have come to think that it is just something that I must (and can) put up with.
In researching strategies for dealing with the Velcade rash, I have read that cold compresses are not recommended within four hours of administration of the drug in order to avoid pharmocokinetic changes. I have avoided using ice based on my reading of this article:
S Kurtin et al, "Subcutaneous Administration of Bortezomib: Strategies to Reduce Injection Site Reactions," Journal of Advanced Practitioner in Oncology, 2012 (full text at Pubmed Central)
I have shown this particular article to the head nurse at my infusion center. We went through all the strategies point by point (including the air bubble technique), and she assured me that the nurses at the center follow them faithfully.
Still, most of her patients, but not all, receiving subcutaneous Velcade develop the red rash to varying degrees. To date, she informed me, no one has figured out a specific strategy that works to prevent the rash. She suggested vitamin E, but was only mild in her recommendation.
I myself have tried aloe vera and hydrocortisone, which other patients have also tried, to obtain relief. My rash usually flares up at the injection site the day after and begins to subside about two days later. I have come to think that it is just something that I must (and can) put up with.
Re: Rash from Velcade injections - side effect?
Beacon Staff: You are wonderful. Thank you for giving the proper citation for the article I referred to.
Re: Rash from Velcade injections - side effect?
Thank you for the reference. I'll be bringing the article to the doctor today for clarification.
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loveparis - Name: loveparis
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: June, 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 61
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