Has anyone experienced side effects from long term dex use, such as avacular necrosis or adreanal problems? What has your experience and treatment been like? Did you have to discontinue dex which seems to be an important part of most myeloma treatments.
Thanks for your help.
Forums
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• Page 1 of 1
Re: Dexamethasone side effects
Yes, I developed cataracts in both eyes after being on Dexamethasone for a little over a year. After eye surgery, though, my vision is actually better than it was before. I am still on the Dex.
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cometmom
Re: Dexamethasone side effects
Hi - my father developed necrosis in his left hip from long term Dex.... and over a course of three years got worse (the pain, etc). There was almost no cartilidge left in his hip and it became more & more painful for him to walk..... so over the christmas holiday he had hip replacement surgery. (which is something he swore he would never, EVER do).
The surgery went well.... the first 4 days after that were rough [recovery process / moving / pain from surgery, etc] but then rehab went smoothly and so did his healing afterward. He can now walk fine, without pain and is doing great. He only has slight pain when he first gets up out of sitting position. After he resumed treatments, doctor wanted to continue giving him Dex with the Velcade but I firmly protested. So for the moment (the past five months) - he gets only Velcade as his treatment. If i can help it, no more Dex ever.... unless there is a major relapse with all else failing and it is desperately needed, then, we'll see.
Also, the Dex has definitely damaged his eye sight.... he doesn't have cataracts but i think the dr said he might down the road. He's worn glasses for reading, etc for a very long time but in the past few years, he has to wear his glasses almost all the time... for reading, tv, etc. I forgot to mention that he is 80 years old. Moral of the story, yes, Dex works but be very careful with long term use.... and monitor the effects with caution, before they get out of hand. I don't think it should be used long term if you can help it. Good luck to you.
Deb
The surgery went well.... the first 4 days after that were rough [recovery process / moving / pain from surgery, etc] but then rehab went smoothly and so did his healing afterward. He can now walk fine, without pain and is doing great. He only has slight pain when he first gets up out of sitting position. After he resumed treatments, doctor wanted to continue giving him Dex with the Velcade but I firmly protested. So for the moment (the past five months) - he gets only Velcade as his treatment. If i can help it, no more Dex ever.... unless there is a major relapse with all else failing and it is desperately needed, then, we'll see.
Also, the Dex has definitely damaged his eye sight.... he doesn't have cataracts but i think the dr said he might down the road. He's worn glasses for reading, etc for a very long time but in the past few years, he has to wear his glasses almost all the time... for reading, tv, etc. I forgot to mention that he is 80 years old. Moral of the story, yes, Dex works but be very careful with long term use.... and monitor the effects with caution, before they get out of hand. I don't think it should be used long term if you can help it. Good luck to you.
Deb
3 posts
• Page 1 of 1
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