The addition of the proteasome inhibitor Velcade® (bortezomib) to the treatment combination Revlimid® (lenalidomide) plus dexamethasone improves survival when used as initial therapy in multiple myeloma among patients who do not intend to immediately undergo a stem cell transplant according to clinical trial results …

Why is dexamethasone used with Revlimid?

The researchers concluded that, despite lesser anticancer responses, lower doses of dexamethasone used in combination with Revlimid provide better survival than higher-dose dexamethasone used in this treatment combination.

Can you take Revlimid without dexamethasone?

REVLIMID is taken by itself (without dexamethasone) as maintenance therapy in patients who have had an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Your healthcare provider will prescribe you a specific dose and dosing schedule based on your individual needs.

Why is dexamethasone used for multiple myeloma?

Dexamethasone and the other steroids are useful in myeloma treatment because they can stop white blood cells from traveling to areas where cancerous myeloma cells are causing damage. This decreases the amount of swelling or inflammation in those areas and relieves associated pain and pressure.

How does dexamethasone work on multiple myeloma?

How many times can you go into remission with myeloma?

About one-fourth of people with relapsed multiple myeloma will go into remission after several cycles of chemo. Those who get targeted therapies or high-dose chemo followed by a stem cell transplant usually have better outcomes. Clinical trial. You might want to consider this if your cancer comes back.

How do you administer dexamethasone IV?

Intravenous for doses greater than 0.4mg Use undiluted dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection (4mg/mL). Dose 0.4mg 0.8mg 1.2mg 1.6mg 2mg 2.4mg Volume 0.1mL 0.2mL 0.3mL 0.4mL 0.5mL 0.6mL To be administered as a slow push over at least 3 minutes. Discard any remaining solution.

When should you take dexamethasone?

You usually take dexamethasone tablets or liquid once a day. It’s best to take it in the morning so it does not affect your sleep. The most common side effects are sleep problems, mood changes, indigestion and weight gain.

What does Revlimid treat?

Revlimid (lenalidomide) affects the immune system. It promotes immune responses to help slow tumor growth. Revlimid is used to treat multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer), either in combination with another medicine or after stem cell transplant.

Is RVD chemotherapy?

Treatment Name: RVd (Revlimid®­ + Velcade®­ + dexametha­sone) RVd (Revlimid®­ + Velcade®­ + dexametha­sone) is a Chemotherapy Regimen for Multiple Myeloma (MM) How does RVd work? Each of the medications in the RVd regimen is designed to kill or slow the growth of myeloma cells.

What is VRD chemotherapy?

You get therapy such as VRd (Velcade, Revlimid, dexamethasone) as a short-term treatment after a stem cell transplant to help the procedure work better and to keep your multiple myeloma at bay. Chemotherapy drugs can also damage healthy cells and cause side effects.

Why is dexamethasone for multiple myeloma?

Dexamethasone and the other steroids are useful in myeloma treatment because they can stop white blood cells from traveling to areas where cancerous myeloma cells are causing damage. This decreases the amount of swelling or inflammation in those areas and relieves associated pain and pressure.