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Side effects of multiple myeloma treatment.

Just about all treatments for cancer cause some type of side effect. From pain and swelling to nausea and fatigue, there’s a lot to pay attention to. Because of the nature of myeloma, there are some additional side effects that you need to know about. Each person’s experience will be different and the severity of side effects varies widely from patient to patient.

The side effects listed below are those that are most commonly associated with multiple myeloma treatment. If you experience any side effects from treatment, you’ll want to make sure you contact your doctor.

Common myeloma side effects

  • Low blood cell count (neutropenia if white blood cells are low; anemia if red blood cells are low)
  • Hair loss
  • Mouth sores
  • Loss of appetite
  • Infections
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Nerve damage

If you experience any side effects from treatment, you’ll want to make sure you contact your doctor.

Effective solutions for side effects.

With myeloma, cancerous cells interfere with the production of normal blood cells, which can lead to potentially dangerous side effects, but there are ways to effectively combat them. Low blood cell counts (neutropenia and anemia) are often treated with blood transfusions, medications, or, in some cases, nutritional supplements and dietary changes. Supplements and medications can also be used to prevent bone damage and bone loss, which frequently occur in myeloma patients. Always speak with your doctor before starting any supplements or new medications.

Avoid infections.

People with multiple myeloma are about 15 times more likely to get an infection than those without it.1 So traditional ways to avoid infections, such as frequent hand washing, cooking food thoroughly, and avoiding those who are sick are important. There are other options such as medications, including antibody therapy that your doctor may recommend.

Each person’s experience will be different and the severity of side effects varies widely from person to person.

Pay attention to your appetite and thirst.

Hydration and avoiding anti-inflammatory medications (such as Motrin® and Aleve®) reduce the chance of impaired kidney function. Hypercalcemia, when the body releases extra calcium to fight bone damage, can also result in severe health issues. If you experience loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, restlessness, or confusion, you should contact your medical professional immediately. Gastrointestinal problems can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications, so make sure you tell your doctor about diarrhea or abdominal pain so he or she can recommend the best options for treatment.

Almost all cancer treatment comes with side effects, but that doesn’t mean you will experience all of these adverse reactions. For those you do experience, medical professionals, including your CVS Specialty CareTeam, can recommend treatments that may provide relief.

This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about your medical condition and prior to starting any new treatment. CVS Specialty assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result, nor is it responsible for the reliability of the content.

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1Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation web site.  https://themmrf.org/multiple-myeloma/symptoms-and-side-effects/ Accessed November 7, 2018.