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Revlimid and constipation
I'm on maintenance Revlimid and struggle with the constipation side effect. What you guys doing to help you through this side effect? I keep trying a variety of solutions with limited success. Jerry
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JBarnes - Name: Jerry Barnes
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Aug 17, 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 54
Re: Revlimid and constipation
Sorry to hear about your problem with constipation ... definitely something everyone should take seriously when taking the powerful drugs that we do. Actually, I wasn't aware that Revlimid causes constipation. I'll keep that in mind. However, are you by any chance taking any pain medication such as Percocet or Vicodin, or any of the opioids? They will definitely cause constipation, but with the use of a stool softener constipation can often be well-managed.
Hope this helps.
Best,
Steve
Hope this helps.
Best,
Steve
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Steve - Name: Steve
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: December 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Revlimid and constipation
Have you tried Senokot, an all natural laxative? When I was taking pain meds plus Velcade / dex, that worked well for me! I see from the product info that it is meant for 'occasional use' though. It's not meant to be used for months at a time, I guess!
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Nancy Shamanna - Name: Nancy Shamanna
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self and others too
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2009
Re: Revlimid and constipation
No pain meds, have never been on any of the pain meds. I always had issues with Rev during treatment but I was two weeks on and one week off. Now with maintenance I take 10mg every day. The fatigue and constipation are the only side effects I seem to be having.
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JBarnes - Name: Jerry Barnes
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Aug 17, 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 54
Re: Revlimid and constipation
The odd thing about Revlimid is that both constipation and diarrhea are common side effects of the drug.
If you go to the side effect information in Revlimid's prescribing information,
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/021880s034lbl.pdf
and review what was reported from the trials of the drug in both myeloma and MDS, you'll see that A LOT of patients who took Revlimid suffered from constipation, diarrhea, or both.
So it wouldn't be surprising if Revlimid is the source of Jerry's problem.
Jerry - What all have you tried so far to deal with the constipation?
If you go to the side effect information in Revlimid's prescribing information,
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/021880s034lbl.pdf
and review what was reported from the trials of the drug in both myeloma and MDS, you'll see that A LOT of patients who took Revlimid suffered from constipation, diarrhea, or both.
So it wouldn't be surprising if Revlimid is the source of Jerry's problem.
Jerry - What all have you tried so far to deal with the constipation?
Re: Revlimid and constipation
I had a horrible time with Velcade. Same issues.
it was deemed urgent and I was almost sent to the ER from a chemo appointment, no joke!
Finally discovered "RestoraLax" it is a white powder that disolves clear. It is not a stimulant so you don't get the awful cramps. I would take it every other day, and then if needed I would take a few sena pills at bedtime the day before Velcade to ensure I was "ready" for it.
[Moderator's note: RestoraLax is known as Miralax in the U.S.]
it was deemed urgent and I was almost sent to the ER from a chemo appointment, no joke!
Finally discovered "RestoraLax" it is a white powder that disolves clear. It is not a stimulant so you don't get the awful cramps. I would take it every other day, and then if needed I would take a few sena pills at bedtime the day before Velcade to ensure I was "ready" for it.
[Moderator's note: RestoraLax is known as Miralax in the U.S.]
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Anonymous
Re: Revlimid and constipation
You may want to try ...ripe papaya....ripe cantaloupe.....the cantaloupe worked great for me however did have some cramping if I ate too much..I would eat a half at a time with plenty of water.....oh and cabbage ....if you go with the cabbage.....you may get as we call them.... body burbs......you may want to step out of the room for these.... also try a gluten free diet for a week or two.
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Tania P
Re: Revlimid and constipation
I do the Miralax daily but still have issues. Would like to find a more natural form of remedy. I tried the prune route but those things are really nasty if you ask me. Anybody had any success using Twinkies?
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JBarnes - Name: Jerry Barnes
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Aug 17, 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 54
Re: Revlimid and constipation
All I can say is ... dried fruit. Whether it's dried plums (prunes) (really good!), dried apricots, dried figs, raisins ... you name it, and just about any of those could be a big help.
I once came across this recipe that is based on the use of dried fruit. Perhaps you'll find it useful; I haven't tried it yet myself.
Yakima Valley Anti Constipation Fruit Paste
1 lb pitted prunes
4 ozs senna tea leaves (at health foods store)
1 lb raisins
1 lb figs
1 cup lemon juice
1. Prepare tea; use about 2 1/2 cups boiled water, add to tea leaves and steep for 5 minutes.
2. Strain tea and remove tea leaves.
3. Place 2 cups of tea, or amount left, in large pot.
4. Add all of the fruit to the tea.
5. Boil fruit and tea for 15 - 20 minutes, until soft.
6. Remove from heat and add lemon juice. Allow to cool.
7. Use hand mixer/blender or food processor to turn fruit and tea mix into a paste.
8. Place in glass jars or Tupperware and place in freezer (paste will not freeze but will keep forever in freezer also very long in fridge).
Dosage: 1 - 2 Tablespoons per day
Finally, two other products that I've heard mentioned as being helpful for constipation are "Swiss Kriss", which comes in various forms, and "Oxy Powder".
I once came across this recipe that is based on the use of dried fruit. Perhaps you'll find it useful; I haven't tried it yet myself.
Yakima Valley Anti Constipation Fruit Paste
1 lb pitted prunes
4 ozs senna tea leaves (at health foods store)
1 lb raisins
1 lb figs
1 cup lemon juice
1. Prepare tea; use about 2 1/2 cups boiled water, add to tea leaves and steep for 5 minutes.
2. Strain tea and remove tea leaves.
3. Place 2 cups of tea, or amount left, in large pot.
4. Add all of the fruit to the tea.
5. Boil fruit and tea for 15 - 20 minutes, until soft.
6. Remove from heat and add lemon juice. Allow to cool.
7. Use hand mixer/blender or food processor to turn fruit and tea mix into a paste.
8. Place in glass jars or Tupperware and place in freezer (paste will not freeze but will keep forever in freezer also very long in fridge).
Dosage: 1 - 2 Tablespoons per day
Finally, two other products that I've heard mentioned as being helpful for constipation are "Swiss Kriss", which comes in various forms, and "Oxy Powder".
Re: Revlimid and constipation
Try a daily glass of kefir. You'll be regular in no time. You don't have to make your own. Lifeway and Siggi's brands are great and easily found. Terry L.
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terryl1 - Name: Terry
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: August 10, 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 49
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