Should Myeloma Patients Take Revlimid During Pandemic? | Int Myeloma Fn

Continuing his COVID-19 FAQ series, Dr. Brian G.M. Durie discusses if myeloma patients taking Revlimid as a maintenance therapy should consider altering their treatment.

BOTTOM LINE:
Stick to your Revlimid maintenance therapy despite the COVID-19 crisis and discuss any treatment changes with your doctor.

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Transcript:

This “Ask Dr. Durie” is another common question, which is “If I’m doing well, in remission, taking Revlimid (lenalidomide) as my maintenance treatment, should I continue with that during this COVID-19 crisis period?”

And the answer to this is a pretty straightforward, probably yes. And why do I say that? Well, for several reasons. Number one: Revlimid (lenalidomide) in its action against myeloma also suppresses inflammation, which is one of the complicating factors of the COVID-19 infection. Well actually, continuing with Revlimid might indeed be helpful versus something that is having a negative impact. And so, it’s not something that is a significant concern.

One issue that can emerge is if the Revlimid is at a dosage where it is impacting the blood counts, particularly the white blood cell count level, or perhaps the platelets. If there is a reduction in either one of those, it is a prudent time to reduce the dosage of the Revlimid to a little bit lower dose to be sure that you are safe as you continue with treatment. Avoid problems, including infection, for example, if your white blood count should drop low.

And so, the BOTTOM LINE is that most likely it will be safe and recommended actually for you to continue your Revlimid treatment, because ultimately, the most important thing is that your myeloma stays in remission. That’s what we are all trying to achieve even during this time of the COVID-19 crisis. As always, particularly in this case, I recommend that you discuss the pros and the cons of ongoing treatment with your own personal doctor so that you are both on the same page and are comfortable with the ongoing plans.

Image of Dr. Brian G.M. Durie Dr. Brian G.M. Durie serves as Chairman of the International Myeloma Foundation and serves on its Scientific Advisory Board. Additionally, he is Chairman of the IMF's International Myeloma Working Group, a consortium of nearly 200 myeloma experts from around the world. Dr. Durie also leads the IMF’s Black Swan Research Initiative®.

COVID-19 FAQ #11: Are MGUS and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) patients considered to be at higher risk for severe consequences from a COVID-19 infection?

COVID-19 FAQ #13: Is it safe for myeloma patients to resume in-person doctors' visits?

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