Treatments for Myeloma

Norpramin (Desipramine)

Overview
Norpramin is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression. Norpramin may be mildly effective at managing neuropathic pain, a common side... read more

Adriamycin (Doxorubicin)

Overview
Adriamycin, also known by its drug name, Doxorubicin, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating cancers including multiple myeloma and some types of ... read more

Alkeran (Melphalan)

Overview
Alkeran, also known by its drug name, Melphalan, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating multiple myeloma. Alkeran is often combined with other dru... read more

Allogeneic (donor) stem cell transplant

Overview
Stem cell transplant after high-dose chemotherapy is the most common treatment for people when first diagnosed with multiple myeloma... read more

Aredia (Pamidronate)

Overview
Aredia is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat and prevent osteolytic (bone) lesions caused by multiple myeloma. Some doctors may also prescribe Aredia for p... read more

Astramorph (Morphine)

Overview
Astramorph is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain that is not responsive to non-narcotics. Astramorph may also be referred to by its drug name, Morphin... read more

Autologous (self) stem cell transplant

Overview
Stem cell transplant after high-dose chemotherapy is the most common treatment for people when first diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The purpose of a stem cell transplant in multiple myeloma is to re... read more

Avinza (Morphine)

Overview
Avinza is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat severe pain in cases where long-term, continual pain relief is needed and other treatments are not effective. ... read more

Belbuca (Buprenorphine)

Overview
Belbuca is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain in cases where pain is severe enough to require daily, long-term, continual pain relief, and other treat... read more

BiCNU (Carmustine)

Overview
BiCNU, also known by its drug name, Carmustine, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating multiple myeloma and other cancers. BiCNU is often combined... read more

Blood transfusion

Overview
In people with myeloma, cancer cells can crowd the bone marrow, preventing the generation of new blood cells. Myeloma treatments including
chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also destroy bone mar... read more

Chemotherapy

Overview
Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with drugs that destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells. Some doctors may refer to all medication prescribed for someone with myeloma as chemotherapy. High-d... read more

Clinical trials

Overview
Depending on several factors, you may be eligible to participate in clinical trials studying new treatments for myeloma. Clinical trials are the only way that new treatments for myeloma can be tested.... read more

Codeine

Overview
Codeine is available over the counter or by prescription, depending on the state in which you live and the strength of the formulation. Codeine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as... read more

Complementary and alternative therapies

Overview
Complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) are popular with many people who have myeloma. CAT treatments may be used to help relieve myeloma symptoms, reduce side effects of myeloma treatments, and... read more

Corticosteroids

Overview
Corticosteroids are a class of prescription drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat inflammation. Corticosteroids are sometimes used to treat people with myeloma.

The mo... read more

Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

Overview
Cymbalta is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression, anxiety, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. In peop... read more

Cytarabine

Overview
Cytarabine is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating several types of leukemia. Cytarabine may be prescribed as part of a read more

Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide)

Overview
Cytoxan, also known by its drug name, Cyclophosphamide, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating cancers including multiple myeloma and many types o... read more

Darzalex (Daratumumab)

Overview
Darzalex, also known by its drug name, Daratumumab, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating multiple myeloma in people who have tried other therapi... read more

Dialysis

Overview
In some cases of myeloma, cancer cells secrete abnormal proteins, leading to the development of complications known as amyloidosis and light chain deposition disease. In these conditions, the abnormal... read more

Dilaudid (Hydromorphone)

Overview
Dilaudid is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain in cases where an opioid is appropriate. Dilaudid may be referred to by its drug name, Hydromorphone. H... read more

Doxepin

Overview
Doxepin is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat insomnia. Doxepin is sometimes prescribed to treat neuropathic pain. In people receiving radiation therapy fo... read more

Doxil (Liposomal doxorubicin)

Overview
Doxil, also known by its drug name, Liposomal doxorubicin, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating cancers including multiple myeloma. In cases of ... read more

Duragesic (Fentanyl)

Overview
Duragesic is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain in opioid-tolerant patients. Duragesic is also known by its drug name, Fentanyl.

Duragesic is an o... read more

Elavil (Amitriptyline)

Overview
Elavil is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. Elavil is sometimes prescribed to manage neuropathic pain, a common side effect of myeloma treatme... read more

Empliciti (Elotuzumab)

Overview
Empliciti, also known by its drug name, Elotuzumab, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat multiple myeloma in people who have tried other therapies. ... read more

Erythropoietin (EPO)

Overview
Erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow. Erythropoietin is secreted by the kidneys.

Anemia (low levels of red blood cells) is common in people with ... read more

Evomela (Melphalan)

Overview
Evomela, also known by its drug name, Melphalan, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating multiple myeloma. Evomela is often combined with other dru... read more

Exalgo (Hydromorphone)

Overview
Exalgo is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat severe pain in cases where long-term, continual pain relief is needed and other treatments are not effective. ... read more

Exercise

Overview
People with myeloma may avoid exercise due to pain, fatigue, weakness, fear of fractures, or self-consciousness about appearance. Exercise may seem especially out of reach to those undergoing or recov... read more

Farydak (Panobinostat)

Overview
Farydak, also known by its drug name, Panobinostat, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat multiple myeloma in people who have tried other therapies. ... read more

Flu and pneumonia vaccinations

Overview
People with myeloma and other types of cancer are at greater risk for severe infections and serious complications from influenza (the flu) and pneumonia. In fact, people with multiple myeloma may be 1... read more

Hip replacement

Overview
Hip replacement is surgery to replace one or both hips with artificial joints made from plastic, ceramic, or metal components. Some people with myeloma choose hip replacement to relieve hip pain and i... read more

Hydrocodone

Overview
Hydrocodone is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain that requires daily, round-the-clock management on a long-term basis, and for which other treatment ... read more

Interferon

Overview
Interferon may be referred to more specifically as Interferon alpha-2a or Interferon alpha-2b, or by brand names including Intron A and Roferon-A. In the past, Interferon has been used to modify the i... read more

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)

Overview
In myeloma, abnormal versions of white blood cells known as plasma B cells proliferate, crowding out healthy cells and forming tumors. Healthy plasma cells secrete proteins called immunoglobulins – al... read more

Kyprolis (Carfilzomib)

Overview
Kyprolis, also known by its drug name, Carfilzomib, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat multiple myeloma in people who have tried other therapies. ... read more

Lyrica (Pregabalin)

Overview
Lyrica is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat fibromyalgia, postherpetic neuralgia, partial onset seizures, and neuropathic pain associated with diabetic ne... read more

Medical marijuana

Overview
Medical marijuana, also known as medical cannabis, is widely used to treat chronic pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and insomnia, all common symptoms of myeloma or side effects of its treatme... read more

Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim)

Overview
Neulasta is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lower the risk of developing infections after receiving chemotherapy or some types of radiation. Neulasta is also ... read more

Neurontin (Gabapentin)

Overview
Neurontin is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat postherpetic neuralgia and some types of seizures. In people with myeloma, neurontin is sometimes prescribe... read more

Ninlaro (Ixazomib)

Overview
Ninlaro, also known by its drug name, Ixazomib, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat multiple myeloma in people who have tried other therapies. Ninl... read more

Norco (Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen)

Overview
Norco is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Norco is a combination drug containing Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen. Hydro... read more

Nutrition

Overview
Everyone feels their best when they consistently eat a healthy, balanced diet. For people with myeloma, good nutrition can help you recover from treatment, reduce treatment side effects, support bone ... read more

Oncovin (Vincristine)

Overview
Oncovin, also known by its drug name, Vincristine, is a prescription medication used to treat several types of cancer. Oncovin is sometimes combined with other drugs such as Adriamycin and a corticost... read more

Oxycodone

Overview
Oxycodone is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain severe enough to require daily, 24-hour, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatmen... read more

OxyContin (Oxycodone)

Overview
OxyContin is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain severe enough to require daily, 24-hour, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatmen... read more

Pamelor (Nortriptyline)

Overview
Pamelor is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression. Pamelor may be mildly effective at managing neuropathic pain. One study indicat... read more

Percocet (Oxycodone/Acetaminophen)

Overview
Percocet is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Percocet is a combination drug composed of Oxycodone and Acetaminophen. ... read more

Plasmapheresis (Plasma exchange)

Overview
In some cases of myeloma, cancer cells secrete abnormal proteins, leading to the development of complications known as hyperviscosity syndrome, amyloidosis, and light chain deposition disease. In hype... read more

Platinol (Cisplatin)

Overview
Platinol, also known by its drug name, Cisplatin, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating several types of cancer. Platinol is sometimes combined w... read more

Pomalyst (Pomalidomide)

Overview
Pomalyst, also known by its drug name, Pomalidomide, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat multiple myeloma that has progressed after being treated w... read more

Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine)

Overview
Pristiq is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depression disorder. Pristiq may be mildly effective at managing neuropathic pain, a common side effect... read more

Radiation therapy

Overview
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is commonly used to treat solitary plasmacytoma – an early stage of multiple myeloma involving a single lesion in the bone or soft tissues. Plasmacytoma th... read more

Revlimid (Lenalidomide)

Overview
Revlimid, also known by its drug name, Lenalidomide, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat multiple myeloma. Revlimid is often combined with a read more

Spinal surgery

Overview
In myeloma, bone lesions in the spine can cause vertebral compression fractures that lead to severe pain, deformity, and loss of mobility. In cases where symptoms are not improved with nonsurgical tre... read more

Thalomid (Thalidomide)

Overview
Thalomid, also known by its drug name, Thalidomide, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat multiple myeloma. Thalomid is often combined with a read more

Treanda (Bendamustine)

Overview
Treanda, also known by its drug name, Bendamustine, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia and indolent B-cell non-Ho... read more

Ultram (Tramadol)

Overview
Ultram is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage moderate to moderately severe pain in adults. Ultram is also known by its drug name, Tramadol.

Ultram is ... read more

Velcade (Bortezomib)

Overview
Velcade, also known by its drug name, Bortezomib, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating multiple myeloma. Velcade is often combined with a read more

Vicodin (Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen)

Overview
Vicodin is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Vicodin is a combination drug composed of Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen.
... read more

VP-16 (Etoposide)

Overview
VP-16, also known by its drug name, Etoposide, is a prescription medication used to treat several types of cancer. VP-16 is sometimes combined with other drugs such as read more

Xgeva (Denosumab)

Overview
Xgeva, also known by its drug name, Denosumab, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent fractures and spinal cord compression in people whose bones ha... read more

Zometa (Zoledronic acid)

Overview
Zometa is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat people with multiple myeloma. Some doctors may also prescribe Zometa for people who have monoclonal gammopathy... read more