Part of the IMF Patient Education Tools Series
Managing Steroid-Associated Side Effects
of Novel Agents for Multiple Myeloma
Patient Education Sheet: Managing Steroid-Associated Side Effects
of Novel Agents for Multiple Myeloma
KEY POINTS
Steroids have been an effective treatment for multiple my-
eloma, alone and in combination with other drugs, for many
years and still are used as an important part of treatment
with newer drugs known as novel therapies (thalidomide,
lenalidomide, and bortezomib). Steroids cause a wide
range of side effects, affecting nearly every system of the
body. Identifying the side effects early and managing them
quickly will contribute to successful treatment and ulti-
mately improve overall quality of life. Do not stop or adjust
STRATEGIES FOR CONTINUING TREATMENT
your medications without discussing it with your healthcare
provider.
Steroids should be taken with food.
Steroids commonly prescribed include dexamethasone, pred-
Steroids can cause sleeplessness and therefore should be
nisone, prednisolone, and solumedrol.
taken early in the morning.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
of breath, and low blood pressure
medication to prevent gastrointestinal issues.
rash anywhere on the body; usually painful with or without
rash), and thrush (white coating on tongue, bad taste, and
painful swallowing) also may be prescribed.
Know the signs and symptoms of high and low blood sugar:
and frequent urination. If you have known diabetes, consult
with your endocrinologist or diabetes educator prior to start-
ing treatment with steroids.
they occur.
Note.
computer program to help patients and healthcare providers keep track of information and treatments.
Visit http://manager.myeloma.org to download the free software.
Note.
Reprint · June 2008 · Supplement to Volume 12, Number 3 · Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing

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