A thalidomide analogue, Revlimid is designated for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma and anemia. It is also used to treat patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. This is also available in generic form. Just like other drugs and supplements, Revlimid has serious side effects, but are not limited to fetal risks, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis and hematologic toxicity. It is available in 5mg, 2.5 mg, 25mg and 15 mg capsules for oral administration. It must be taken orally at the same time per day and should be swallowed whole with water. You must not use Revlimid during pregnancy as death of the fetus or serious birth defects can occur. Listed below are some side effects concerning the use of Revlimid.
Less Serious Effects
- Tiredness
- Headaches
- Joint or Muscle Pains
- Stuffy or Runny Nose
- Itchy or Dry Skin
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Skin Rash
Critical Side Effects
- Urinating less than usual or not at all.
- Blood in your urine.
- Lower pack pains.
- Flu symptoms, body aches, fever, chills.
- Swelling or pain in your calf, thigh or arm.
- Severe blistering, red skin rash or peeling.
- Tingly or numbness feeling around your mouth.
- Weakness, unusual bleeding or easy bruising.
- Sudden shortness of breath, chest pains and coughing up blood.
Revlimid also affects the immune system. It helps support immune responses to prevent inflammation in the body. It is a great way to treat multiple myeloma (a cancer which results from a progressive blood disease) and lack of red blood cells in the body or anemia. You need to stop using Revlimid and get medical help if you have any of these allergic reaction symptoms – difficulty breathing, hives and swelling of tongue, face, lips or throat.
Rare Side Effects
- Muscle Problems
- Depression
- Fluid Accumulation in the Brain
- Sudden Loss of Vision
- Heart Attack
- High Blood Pressure
- Encephalitis
- Fluid in the Lungs
- Hepatitis
- Chronic Heart Failure
Some side effects of Revlimid usually don’t need any medical treatment and attention. Such side effects may go off during treatment as the body is adjusting to the medicine. In addition, your health care expert can tell you about the ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects. Revlimid is also a great factor for blocking the development of new blood vessels in the body. It is significant and essential since cancer cells need to make new blood vessels, so they can spread and grow.
The drug is normally taken once a day. One should take the supplements at about similar time each day. Keep in mind that these capsules must not be opened or chewed and should only be taken and swallowed whole with water. It is highly advisable to talk to your medical doctor first before you use any supplements on the market. It is significant to consult a doctor since they are the ones who have complete knowledge and better understanding about it. There are also positive side effects of using Revlimid such as it reduces the number of white blood cells.
