Part of the IMF Patient Education Tools Series
Managing Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Novel Agents for Multiple Myeloma
Patient Education Sheet: Managing Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Novel Agents for Multiple Myeloma
KEY POINTS
Novel therapies used to treat multiple myeloma include thali-
immediately.
domide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib. Each of the drugs, alone
-
or in combination, may be associated with gastrointestinal side
pitalization to assess fluid status and rule out bowel ob-
effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
Managing the side effects can reduce your discomfort and can
allow you to receive the best treatment for your myeloma. Your
healthcare provider may change your dose or schedule of medi-
International
cation to help manage your symptoms. Do not stop or adjust
MANAGEMENT OF CONSTIPATION
medications without discussing it with your healthcare provider.
ursing
TYPES OF GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS
nausea and vomiting, inability to urinate, confusion, and
N
diarrhea alternating with constipation.
-
M
tivity, and start stool softeners
ncology
-
y
O
eloma
of
nied by discomfort and difficulty
-
amount of fluid in the stool
-
F
Journal
oundation
-
MANAGEMENT OF NAUSEA
intestinal specialist may be arranged by a physician.
Clinical·3
episodes, upper abdominal pain, pain when swallowing,
·
umber
hiccups or heartburn, weight loss, dizziness on standing
citrate, lactulose, and bisacodyl
1-800-452-CURE
N
up, and your medication history.
-
MANAGEMENT OF DIARRHEA
12,
-
syndrome, colitis, diverticulitis, and medications other
Volume
to
(2873)
upplementS·
increased or different medications and see your physician
-
·
2008
-
www
June·
.my
-
Reprint
eloma.org
considered for fluid replacement, a stool culture will be
MANAGEMENT OF VOMITING
ordered to see whether the diarrhea is the result of an
infection, and medications will be given to control fre-
whether digested or undigested, whether a "trigger" was
involved, whether it was new or different from other times.
stopped for a period of time, or the dose may be lowered.
-
tinue medications for nausea.
Note.
Myeloma Manager
Note.

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