Does multiple myeloma treatment cause hair loss?

Most medications and treatments for multiple myeloma do not cause hair loss. However, if you are undergoing a stem cell transplant, which includes high dose intravenous chemotherapy (like melphalan), the answer is, yes.

Do you lose your hair with chemo for myeloma?

For myeloma patients, the only medication that causes hair loss is high dose melphalan, used during stem cell transplant. Where does hair loss happen? Chemotherapy may lead to hair loss on your legs, arms, underarms, pubic area, chest, eyelashes and eyebrows, in addition to your head.

What are side effects of Velcade?

Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, tiredness, weakness, or pain/redness at the injection site may occur. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Is Velcade considered chemotherapy?

VELCADE (bortezomib) is a type of chemotherapy called a targeted therapy. VELCADE belongs to a class of medicines called proteasome inhibitors. It is approved by the FDA for the treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. VELCADE has been studied in many important clinical trials.

How long does Velcade stay in system?

Official Answer. You could expect Velcade to stay in your system ranging from 9 days (220 hours) to 44 days (1061 hours) depending on which dose you receive. The elimination half life is the time it takes for your body to reduce the plasma levels of the drug by one-half (50%).

What chemo drugs cause permanent hair loss?

Some chemotherapy agents may cause prolonged or permanent alopecia, most notably docetaxel given at doses of 75 mg/m2 or higher per cycle, and less commonly paclitaxel [20-25].

How effective is Velcade for multiple myeloma?

According to an analysis of 23 studies that included a total of 1,051 patients, retreatment with Velcade-based therapy was effective and well tolerated in patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma. The overall response rate to Velcade retreatment across all studies was 39%.

Does Revlimid cause hair loss?

No, Revlimid does not cause hair loss. In clinical studies of people taking Revlimid, hair loss wasn’t reported as a side effect. If you take other drugs for cancer treatment with Revlimid, it’s possible that some of them could cause hair loss. If you’re concerned about hair loss, talk with your doctor.

Is Velcade well tolerated?