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Revlimid stomach problems - any tips?
Does anyone have any tips or ideas for dealing with side effects of Revlimid, especially stomach issues?
Re: Revlimid stomach problems - any tips?
"Stomach Issues" can mean many different things, with many different causes.
Elaborate.
Elaborate.
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Rneb
Re: Revlimid stomach problems - any tips?
Hi Terrij,
Welcome to the forum.
It's not uncommon for Revlimid to cause gastrointestinal problems. In some people, it can cause problems with diarrhea. In others, it causes constipation. Some people have experienced both of those problems -- at different times, obviously -- while taking the medication.
What specifically are the problems you're experiencing?
We're sure you'll get some good advice in response to your question. In the meantime, you also may find these previous forum discussions helpful:
"Gastrointestinal upset on Revlimid & dex"
"Revlimid and constipation"
"Chronic diarrhea while taking Revlimid"
Welcome to the forum.
It's not uncommon for Revlimid to cause gastrointestinal problems. In some people, it can cause problems with diarrhea. In others, it causes constipation. Some people have experienced both of those problems -- at different times, obviously -- while taking the medication.
What specifically are the problems you're experiencing?
We're sure you'll get some good advice in response to your question. In the meantime, you also may find these previous forum discussions helpful:
"Gastrointestinal upset on Revlimid & dex"
"Revlimid and constipation"
"Chronic diarrhea while taking Revlimid"
Re: Revlimid stomach problems - any tips?
Bouts of diarrhea, especially in the mornings. Limiting food intake to small meals and trying to figure out if there are particular foods to stay away from.
Was taking 5mg Revilmid, now it is upped to 10mg.
Was taking 5mg Revilmid, now it is upped to 10mg.
Re: Revlimid stomach problems - any tips?
Hi Terrij,
Have you spoken to your oncologist / hematologist about this? Yes, diarrhea is common when taking Revlimid, but your oncologist will likely want to know about this side effect you're having. He / she might even want to test you for C. diff infection, which you can get when you're visiting hospitals as frequently as multiple myeloma patients do -- even in the outpatient setting.
My husband had the side effect of diarrhea starting in the first month of his treatment and then got C. diff several months later. I forget what was prescribed for it, but it was a bit difficult to get rid of. Even after the C. diff was gone, he still has his "normal" diarrhea, but it's manageable if he takes a couple Immodium every day (which his oncologist said was fine to do).
Best wishes,
Chris M.
Have you spoken to your oncologist / hematologist about this? Yes, diarrhea is common when taking Revlimid, but your oncologist will likely want to know about this side effect you're having. He / she might even want to test you for C. diff infection, which you can get when you're visiting hospitals as frequently as multiple myeloma patients do -- even in the outpatient setting.
My husband had the side effect of diarrhea starting in the first month of his treatment and then got C. diff several months later. I forget what was prescribed for it, but it was a bit difficult to get rid of. Even after the C. diff was gone, he still has his "normal" diarrhea, but it's manageable if he takes a couple Immodium every day (which his oncologist said was fine to do).
Best wishes,
Chris M.
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Chris M.
Re: Revlimid stomach problems - any tips?
I've had great results from taking probiotics. I had severe diarrhea then took Imodium and got constipated. Been on Revlimid for 16 months now. I wish I could find something for the fatigue! Good luck to you. You are not alone. 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 stomach problems - any tips?
Interesting, relevant thread!
Believe it or not, I've been on Revlimid (10 mg) for five years, and I too have had GI issues. At times I've had diarrhea, but more often I would just call it multiple loose stools. My hemonc encourages use of Imodium, so for a long time I've taken one every day and more than that if there's a flare-up. He said not to be reluctant to take as much as necessary to calm things down, but usually one a day seems to do the job.
Also, related or not, I have mild heartburn, which seems to be held in check with Prilosec.
Believe it or not, I've been on Revlimid (10 mg) for five years, and I too have had GI issues. At times I've had diarrhea, but more often I would just call it multiple loose stools. My hemonc encourages use of Imodium, so for a long time I've taken one every day and more than that if there's a flare-up. He said not to be reluctant to take as much as necessary to calm things down, but usually one a day seems to do the job.
Also, related or not, I have mild heartburn, which seems to be held in check with Prilosec.
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bobinberea - Name: Bob Fowler
- Who do you know with myeloma?: me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2006
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Revlimid stomach problems - any tips?
My doctor recommended Metamucil which helps firm up stools. When I started taking this, I used it daily and I developed some constipation and intestinal discomfort, so I backed off to two days on and one day off. This works very well for me.
You may want to consider this and/or discuss with your doctor. Good luck.
You may want to consider this and/or discuss with your doctor. Good luck.
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Norm - Name: Norm
- Who do you know with myeloma?: me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Aug-2010
- Age at diagnosis: 59
Re: Revlimid stomach problems - any tips?
Constipation has been an ongoing issue for me. My biggest problem with it is finding a happy medium that allows me some regularity without inducing diarrhea. A stool softener and Senokot has brought me close to success.
You didn't elaborate, but nausea and vomiting on occasion are also a problem for me. The vomiting is rare, but not the nausea, and it is unpredictable for me.
My appetite has tanked and I have lost 20 pounds (9 kg), but I've been stable the last 6 weeks as far as my weight goes. But my appetite is still very low.
You didn't elaborate, but nausea and vomiting on occasion are also a problem for me. The vomiting is rare, but not the nausea, and it is unpredictable for me.
My appetite has tanked and I have lost 20 pounds (9 kg), but I've been stable the last 6 weeks as far as my weight goes. But my appetite is still very low.
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Wayne K - Name: Wayne
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself, my sister who passed in '95
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 03/09
- Age at diagnosis: 70
Re: Revlimid stomach problems - any tips?
I have had the exact experience as Wayne, regarding constipation, and like him, there is a fine line between relieving that and having the opposite problem. I do find that Senokot works wonders, but I also take a stool softener, and eat lots of high-fiber foods.
Earlier in my treatment, I had a problem with diarrhea, but now it seems more likely to be constipation. Very annoying side effect, but if the drugs work at holding the myeloma at bay, I can accept it. At least there are things we can take that mitigate this side effect.
I am only only 10 mg of Revlimid, due to kidney issues. I am not sure how I would react if I were on the full dosage!
Earlier in my treatment, I had a problem with diarrhea, but now it seems more likely to be constipation. Very annoying side effect, but if the drugs work at holding the myeloma at bay, I can accept it. At least there are things we can take that mitigate this side effect.
I am only only 10 mg of Revlimid, due to kidney issues. I am not sure how I would react if I were on the full dosage!
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