Dealing with this for 2.5 years sounds exhausting, and it's clear you've already been proactive in trying to manage it. Revlimid is well known for causing late-onset diarrhea, often appearing 17–24 months after starting treatment — so unfortunately, your experience is not uncommon.
Since Welchol (a bile acid sequestrant) Show Full Answer
Dealing with this for 2.5 years sounds exhausting, and it's clear you've already been proactive in trying to manage it. Revlimid is well known for causing late-onset diarrhea, often appearing 17–24 months after starting treatment — so unfortunately, your experience is not uncommon.
Since Welchol (a bile acid sequestrant) is no longer working at max dose, it's really important to go back to your oncologist about this. Options they may consider include:
- Switching or combining medications — some people have found relief with loperamide (Imodium) or Pepto-Bismol, sometimes alongside bile acid sequestrants
- Dose reduction of Revlimid — if diarrhea is severe and unmanageable, your doctor may lower your dose
- Discontinuing Revlimid — in some cases, ongoing severe diarrhea has led oncologists to stop the drug entirely Dietary adjustments can also support management alongside medication. Foods that may help firm things up include white rice, well-cooked vegetables, yogurt, lean meats, and white bread. Staying well hydrated is critical since diarrhea causes significant fluid loss — aim for 8–12 cups of water daily.
A MyMyelomaTeam member shared that keeping a food diary helped them identify triggers, which might be worth trying too.
Please don't wait on speaking to your oncologist — diarrhea this persistent carries a real risk of dehydration and nutritional impact.
July 21
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