Hi there everyone
This is a very trivial question in the whole scheme of things, but here goes!
I had a SCT in Feb 2013 and most of my eyelashes fell out leaving one or two for me to bat at my husband when I wanted a cup of tea,,,. After a couple of months they came back fuller albeit shorter. After 6 weeks of 10mg Rev - 3 weeks break - and now 3 weeks of 5mg Rev it's now August and my eyelashes are back to post SCT length and sparseness. Could this be the REV and is this how it's going to be for the next 4 years while I'm on maintenance? I'm so happy to have gone through SCT and come out the other side better, but would feel a lot more normal with more than 2 eyelashes on each eyelid. Anyone else had this experience and is there a solution or should i just keep the falsies forever?
Thanks
Krysia
Forums
6 posts
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KrysiaR - Name: Krysia
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 58
Re: Does Revlimid cause sparse eyelashes?
Hi Krysia,
I'm sorry I don't have an answer to that question. I tried 10 mg Revlimid for 3 weeks and had to stop due to multiple, debilitating side effects. The worst of them was the post-sct feeling of weakness and lethargy, plus severe depression. So I only have an opinion, which is that the drug is a powerful one and everyone's chemistry will react a bit differently so it's possible that you're experiencing a side effect. I'm happy that the drug is not causing a more severe reaction (although I would hate losing my eyelashes, most certainly!). It's a very effective maintenance drug from what I read in the studies. I'm doing an alternate maintenance therapy of Zometa infusion every 4 weeks. Thankfully no side effects other than a mild flu-like feeling for a couple of days afterwards.
All the best to you,
Donna
I'm sorry I don't have an answer to that question. I tried 10 mg Revlimid for 3 weeks and had to stop due to multiple, debilitating side effects. The worst of them was the post-sct feeling of weakness and lethargy, plus severe depression. So I only have an opinion, which is that the drug is a powerful one and everyone's chemistry will react a bit differently so it's possible that you're experiencing a side effect. I'm happy that the drug is not causing a more severe reaction (although I would hate losing my eyelashes, most certainly!). It's a very effective maintenance drug from what I read in the studies. I'm doing an alternate maintenance therapy of Zometa infusion every 4 weeks. Thankfully no side effects other than a mild flu-like feeling for a couple of days afterwards.
All the best to you,
Donna
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rosecitylady - Name: rosecitylady
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 61
Re: Does Revlimid cause sparse eyelashes?
I just noticed that we were diagnosed at the same time!
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rosecitylady - Name: rosecitylady
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 61
Re: Does Revlimid cause sparse eyelashes?
I haven't had this problem, Krysia, so I can't speak from first-hand experience. However, I suspect this isn't a direct result of the Revlimid. My guess is that, if it was due to the Revlimid, you would be experiencing hair loss more broadly, not just the loss of your eyelashes.
You may want to discuss this with your doctor the next time you have an appointment. From what I've read, loss of eyelashes can be due to improper functioning of the thyroid, or you could have a low-level infection of some sort. Another possible reason is that you may have started rubbing your eyes more than you did in the past, without realizing it.
The possibility of thyroid issues, or an infection, indicate to me that this is worth discussing with your doctor.
If you do that, I'd be curious to know what you find out. Please let us know.
You may want to discuss this with your doctor the next time you have an appointment. From what I've read, loss of eyelashes can be due to improper functioning of the thyroid, or you could have a low-level infection of some sort. Another possible reason is that you may have started rubbing your eyes more than you did in the past, without realizing it.
The possibility of thyroid issues, or an infection, indicate to me that this is worth discussing with your doctor.
If you do that, I'd be curious to know what you find out. Please let us know.
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JimNY
Re: Does Revlimid cause sparse eyelashes?
Hi JimNY
I've had my thyroid checked because of severe crashing (due to 10mg Rev as it happens...) and no signs of infection. Going for a complete check up with GP soon so will mention it to her. The pharmacy that sends the Rev said that on their list of Rev side effects is hair loss and hair growth - so there you are!
I've had a few comments on another sight where it's happened to a few other people. Hopefully the 5mg Rev won't continue to eradicate my already sparse lashes the longer I take it. I guess falsies are always an option...
Hi rosecitylady, I also take Zometa every month, but that's just a bone builder not like Rev that kills off the bad cells. Scared of that one too as it can cause ONJ... Hey, what can we do? It's great that we have the option of all of these meds but they all cause some sort of side effect after all.
Sending you all a slightly balding wink!
Krysia
I've had my thyroid checked because of severe crashing (due to 10mg Rev as it happens...) and no signs of infection. Going for a complete check up with GP soon so will mention it to her. The pharmacy that sends the Rev said that on their list of Rev side effects is hair loss and hair growth - so there you are!
I've had a few comments on another sight where it's happened to a few other people. Hopefully the 5mg Rev won't continue to eradicate my already sparse lashes the longer I take it. I guess falsies are always an option...
Hi rosecitylady, I also take Zometa every month, but that's just a bone builder not like Rev that kills off the bad cells. Scared of that one too as it can cause ONJ... Hey, what can we do? It's great that we have the option of all of these meds but they all cause some sort of side effect after all.
Sending you all a slightly balding wink!
Krysia
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KrysiaR - Name: Krysia
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 58
Re: Does Revlimid cause sparse eyelashes?
Hi Krysia. I was on a low maintenance dosage of Revlimid for a little more than two years after my stem cell transplant. I did not lose my eyelashes. I had the itching, especially in my scalp, but no hair loss anywhere. Also the low blood counts and tiredness others have had.
Dana
Dana
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darnold - Name: Dana Arnold
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 52
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