[MJH]

Re: Revlimid and constipation

by MJH on Tue Apr 04, 2017 10:58 am

I am into my third round of maintenance Revlimid (3 weeks on and one week off) and find, sur­prisingly, that now I am constipated. At the end of my first maintenance round, I began to have diarrhea, so for the second round I used cholestyramine (Questran) and that worked for me. Think­ing that was what was to come this third round, I have been avoiding salads, etc, (my usual diet), and here I am almost a week into my third round and nothing is moving.

Does this happen often – that is, that one can have both constipation AND diarrhea with Revlimid?

I was fine with 2 weeks on, one week off Revlimid (and dex) in my consolidation weeks. With induction, however, I was VERY constipated until they reduced the Velcade.

Am know wondering what to do next!?

Thanks to everyone at the Beacon! I have learned so much!

MJH

[DanV]

Re: Revlimid and constipation

by DanV on Tue Apr 04, 2017 7:50 pm

Hi MJH,

I'm also on Revlimid maintenance and kept flipping from one extreme to the other. What worked for me was a regulated dose of Senekot (senekot). I dialled it up when it was needed and toned it downed when it wasn't. Ultimately, types of food eaten will also contribute to the extremes. I found that half a tablet daily softens things up and it has regulated things for me.

Hope this helps. Lord knows how uncomfortable it can be

Cheers,

Dan V

[Loriwils]

Re: Revlimid and constipation

by Loriwils on Wed Jul 25, 2018 8:07 am

Hi all,

This is a topic that interests me as well.

I am on Revlimid for maintenance. The severe constipation it causes me is unreal. I eat a high fiber diet, drink a lot of water and have tried many over the counter medications, but to no avail. Have tried Colace (docusate), Dulcolax (bisacodyl), senna, Miralax (polyethylene glycol), prunes, you name it,

I am concerned because we will be leaving for a trip to Ireland soon, and I don’t want to worry about these constipation issues, and, more importantly, I don’t want to be in pain.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I would really appreciate your thoughts!

[Finn12]

Re: Revlimid and constipation

by Finn12 on Thu Jul 26, 2018 6:35 am

I tried every possible treatment for constipation too but nothing worked. The only thing that works for me is to have a day off from taking Revlimid every now and then. Currently, I take Revlimid for 3 days and then have a day off, 3 days on, 1 day off, and so on. It is of course a bit risky and not recommended by my doctors.

[shebert]

Re: Revlimid and constipation

by shebert on Sun Jul 29, 2018 8:43 pm

My husband is in week 1 of cycle 1 of his initial myeloma treatment. He is also on heavy pain medication though. What works for him is Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350) morning and night, stool softener morning and night, and a dose of milk of magnesia at bedtime. This produces for him every two to three days, but normal production. This has been his new norm since back surgery at the end of May.