[DallasGG]

Re: Revlimid - rash and itching - any tips?

by DallasGG on Sun Jun 22, 2014 1:04 pm

I started Revlimid/dex maintenance about a week ago (about 120 days after my stem cell transplant) and about 2-3 days after I started the treatments I had a very itchy scalp. I took Claritin for a few days and that itch is gone. About 2 days after the itchy scalp, I got a rash on both arms but that only lasted about 2 days. I'm not sure if the Claritin made the rash go away or if it went away on it's own. I do remember having a rash a few times last year when I had the Revlimid/Velcade/dex treatments but they usually only lasted 1-2 days and went away on their own.

[Terri Michigan]

Re: Revlimid - rash and itching - any tips?

by Terri Michigan on Mon Jun 23, 2014 2:34 pm

The doctor said I had a severe allergic reaction to the Revlimid with a rash over a lot of my body, even Benadryl and anti-itch creams were not helping much (or only for a very short time). Aveeno body lotion helped to sooth it more then anything. I talked to the pharmacist about taking Claritin, but she said I would be better off with the Benadryl because it has strong anti-itch properties.

Today the doctor told me he doesn't want me to take the Revlimid any more. He said the Velcade-dex has got my numbers right where they need to be and he said there is too high of a risk of getting an infection taking something I am allergic to and scratching all the time. He said we will just do the 4 cycles of Velcade-dex and then I will go back and see the specialist who will eventually do the stem cell transplant [SCT] and see what he thinks or suggests at that time.

I am relieved that I am not taking the Revlimid. The itching drove me insane ... more then I already am LOL. But, at the same time, I worry about what will I take for maintenance after the SCT because I hear most people take a small dose of Revlimid as maintenance.

I also am a little concerned that there are only so many tools in our box and I would like to have all of the tools I can to fight this disease.

So thanks for everyone's help with this matter. Keep on fighting the good fight.
Terri

[acidiots]

Re: Revlimid - rash and itching - any tips?

by acidiots on Fri Feb 06, 2015 3:59 pm

I found that skipping a day of Revlimid as soon as you start to itch prevents the rash from happen­ing. My oncologist agreed and so did a representative from Revlimid. I found the itchiness started to manifest itself after 3 days, so I would skip day 4 and press on. During the 21 day cycle, I might have to miss 3 doses.

This has been the routine for 17 months.

[bob milrad]

Re: Revlimid - rash and itching - any tips?

by bob milrad on Wed Mar 25, 2015 8:06 pm

I'm into my 3rd Revlimid cycle; the first two were at 5 mg, this one is at 15 mg.

I'm experiencing the proverbial scalp itch and more recently arms and legs itch.

I've found 1/2 Benadryl works (a whole one knocks me out so I reserve it as needed before sleep). Another remedy I've found that works well is a few tokes of marijuana. I know this is controversial, but with myeloma gotta keep the door open, right?

PS: I'm well into my 70s!

Bob

[Tracy J]

Re: Revlimid - rash and itching - any tips?

by Tracy J on Sat Mar 28, 2015 2:36 pm

I also developed a rash while on lenalidomide (Revlimid). Dana Farber recommended that I alternate antihistamines, monthly. So for one month I take cetirizine (Zyrtec), then for one month I take fexofenadine (Allegra), with no gaps. This seems to work. I've been doing this for several months, and the rash has not come back, and I've been able to maintain a high dose of Revlimid.

Also, my Dad had a rash when he was recovering from his auto stem cell transplant, and he found that putting ice packs on the itchiest places really gave him some relief, in addition to all the other usual tips.

[ethomas]

Re: Revlimid - rash and itching - any tips?

by ethomas on Mon Jun 08, 2015 12:35 pm

My rash showed up after 4 months that I took Revlimid 25 mg. Fresh aloe vera helped me; you can also buy it in a form of ointment. My oncologist reduced the Revlimid to 15 mg, which I have been on for 21 days now and so far so good.

I also switched from Dove shampoo to Johnson's baby shampoo, and the itch is gone now.

[RadiantTiger]

Re: Revlimid - rash and itching - any tips?

by RadiantTiger on Tue Jun 09, 2015 9:56 am

I got a rash over most of my body after 11 days on 25 mg Revlimid. I noticed though, that the day after I took my dexamethasone it decreased significantly. Kind of makes sense, since the rash is an immune reaction, and dex suppresses the immune response.

My doctor told my to try the dexamethasone twice a week (20 mg x 2), instead of once a week (40 mg x 1). After that my rash went away and I was able to continue on 25 mg Revlimid + Velcade. So ever since cycle 2 start I have stayed on 2 x week for dex, and no whole-body rash.

Did get Shingles (weird Zoster virus rashy-thing) though after cycle 4, but that's another story!

RT

[Sansya1951]

Re: Revlimid - rash and itching - any tips?

by Sansya1951 on Sat Apr 16, 2016 11:15 am

Have been on Revlimid since July 2015 for maintenance. Had a stem cell transplant May 2015.

First few months on Revlimid 15 mg no problems, but last couple of cycles have developed rash/hives with severe dry skin. Anyone experiencing this?

Only other drugs are Synthroid and Zometa once a month by infusion.

Thx for any input.

---

Moderator's Note:

This posting was originally made in a general thread about Revlimid side effects. We felt it would be more appropriate in this thread.

[Marianne]

Re: Revlimid - rash and itching - any tips?

by Marianne on Tue May 10, 2016 12:52 am

My other half had to stop Revlimid due to the rash and itching. It's been a month since he has stopped it. He is still itching terribly. It keeps him up half the night. Nothing seems to help with the itching.

We're going to try the Aveeno ointment tomorrow and see if that helps. Thank you for that suggestion.