Has anyone had experience with Revlimid causing fevers?
After my diagnosis in September 2011, my induction therapy began with the drug combination of RVD (Revlimid, Velcade, and dex). After a few cycles, I developed a high fever. My Revlimid dose was lowered from 25 mg to 15 mg.
Everything was fine for a while, but now the fever has returned. I assume this means that my body does not tolerate Revlimid very well.
I'm wondering what Revlimid-alternative drug treatments others have pursued for continued induction therapy and also for maintenance.
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fcasagni - Name: Frank
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 64
Re: Revlimid fever
Hi,
I, too, was just diagnosed at the end of September. I haven't had any problems with Revlimid, but do have some symptoms I believe from some of my other drugs. Is Revlimid the only thing you are on?
I, too, was just diagnosed at the end of September. I haven't had any problems with Revlimid, but do have some symptoms I believe from some of my other drugs. Is Revlimid the only thing you are on?
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Gail
Re: Revlimid fever
I had 4 cycles of RVD (25 mg of Revlimid) last year with the basic symptoms. After a stem cell transplant (SCT) in February 2011, I started Revlimid as a maintenance in June with 10 mg and am now taking 15 mgs. This is really the drug I have taken and was offered.
But, as a happy note, I was told the SCT worked and I am in REMISSION, whereas a year ago I was Stage 3.
But, as a happy note, I was told the SCT worked and I am in REMISSION, whereas a year ago I was Stage 3.
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FrankieBallz921 - Name: Frank Giovanniello
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 9/2010
- Age at diagnosis: 30
Re: Revlimid fever
Gail wrote:
Hi Gail.
I'm on Revlimid, Velcade and Decadron (dexamethasone). The combination has shown really good results. Revlimid seems to be a problem for me however.
I, too, was just diagnosed at the end of September. I haven't had any problems with Revlimid, but do have some symptoms I believe from some of my other drugs. Is Revlimid the only thing you are on?
Hi Gail.
I'm on Revlimid, Velcade and Decadron (dexamethasone). The combination has shown really good results. Revlimid seems to be a problem for me however.
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fcasagni - Name: Frank
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 64
Re: Revlimid fever
Hi fcasagni!
How did they rule out Velcade and dexamethasone as the source of fever and pinpoint it as Revlimid?
How did they rule out Velcade and dexamethasone as the source of fever and pinpoint it as Revlimid?
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suzierose - Name: suzierose
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2 sept 2011
Re: Revlimid fever
Reportedly Revlimid can cause fevers in up to 21% of patients. It is interesting, however, I don't recall off hand that last time I had a patient discuss fevers while on Revlimid. And as you can tell from the other respondents, I think that percentage is a bit high with current dosing strategies.
The most important thing is make sure that the fevers are not coming from another source – i.e. infection. You are on medications that can cause you to be further immune suppressed. Therefore, you are more susceptible to infections.
I would continue to follow a neutropenic fever protocol if your fevers are greater than 100.5 F (38.1 C) and your ANC (absolute neutrophil count) is less than 1000. You are now several cycles in and on lower doses of meds, but please make sure that someone is thinking about that. It still may be just the Revlimid, we just want to be sure it is not something else (e.g. bacterial or viral infection).
The most important thing is make sure that the fevers are not coming from another source – i.e. infection. You are on medications that can cause you to be further immune suppressed. Therefore, you are more susceptible to infections.
I would continue to follow a neutropenic fever protocol if your fevers are greater than 100.5 F (38.1 C) and your ANC (absolute neutrophil count) is less than 1000. You are now several cycles in and on lower doses of meds, but please make sure that someone is thinking about that. It still may be just the Revlimid, we just want to be sure it is not something else (e.g. bacterial or viral infection).
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Dr. Ken Shain - Name: Ken Shain, M.D., Ph.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
Re: Revlimid fever
suzierose wrote:
Hi Suzie:
They took me completely off drugs for a while and then reintroduced them one at a time until the fevers showed up again. Bactrim (anti-bacterial) and Revlimid were suspects from the start, since they have a clinical history of causing fevers in some people.
How did they rule out Velcade and dexamethasone as the source of fever and pinpoint it as Revlimid?
Hi Suzie:
They took me completely off drugs for a while and then reintroduced them one at a time until the fevers showed up again. Bactrim (anti-bacterial) and Revlimid were suspects from the start, since they have a clinical history of causing fevers in some people.
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fcasagni - Name: Frank
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 64
Re: Revlimid fever
I am 67 year old female diagnosed in January 2015 with multiple myeloma. On cycle break (cycle 4 to start). Each time I go on break from Revlimid, I get fever. Up to 100.5 F (38.1 C), low grade headache, and fatigue.
Anyone have balance issues? Feels like I'm on a cruise ship rocking back and forth on great waves. Prescription for sea sickness no help. Any ideas for the fever or head issues?
Thx
Anyone have balance issues? Feels like I'm on a cruise ship rocking back and forth on great waves. Prescription for sea sickness no help. Any ideas for the fever or head issues?
Thx
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Ctkellum
Re: Revlimid fever
I have heard that ginger tea helps vertigo (the dizzy feeling). You might try it.
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antelope1225 - Name: Cathy1225
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 25 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 55
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