Not everyone experiences the same side effects from induction therapy, and some people tolerate it better than others. That said, most myeloma treatments do carry some risk of side effects β it's more a question of how many and how severe.
The most common induction regimen combines daratumumab, lenalidomide, bortezomib Show Full Answer
Not everyone experiences the same side effects from induction therapy, and some people tolerate it better than others. That said, most myeloma treatments do carry some risk of side effects β it's more a question of how many and how severe.
The most common induction regimen combines daratumumab, lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone. Each of these can bring its own set of potential side effects.
Here are some commonly reported ones to be aware of:
- Fatigue β tiredness that may not improve with rest
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Mouth sores
- Low blood cell counts β which can increase infection risk or cause anemia
- Nerve tingling or pain in hands or feet (especially with bortezomib)
- Blood clots β a known risk with lenalidomide
- Mood changes, sleep issues, or high blood sugar β often linked to dexamethasone (the steroid)
- Skin rashes β particularly associated with lenalidomide
Not every person will experience every side effect, and many can be managed with supportive medications or dose adjustments. It's always worth having an open conversation with the myeloma care team about what to watch for and when a side effect needs prompt attention. Some side effects are manageable at home, while others may need medical support quickly.
July 26