UNDERSTANDING MYELOMA

What is Myeloma ?

Myeloma is a type of cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow. Myeloma is often called multiple myeloma because most people (90%) have multiple bone lesions at the time it is diagnosed.

Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. They are part of the immune system and help fight infection. When cancerous, these abnormal plasma cells spread throughout the bone marrow so that there is not enough space to make enough normal blood cells.

Bone marrow is found in multiple areas of the body including the spine, skull, shoulders, ribs and pelvis.

Myeloma symptoms

The symptoms of myeloma can include:

• bone pain or a broken bone without an obvious injury
• frequent infections or an infection that is difficult to overcome
• tiredness, shortness of breath or a racing heart
• kidney problems
• heavy nosebleeds or easy bruising
• feeling sick, drowsy or confused
• abnormal blood counts.

Causes of myeloma

There are no known causes of myeloma. It is not hereditary, so it is rare for more than one person in a family to be affected.

Certain chemicals, radiation and viruses (such as HIV) have been linked to an increased risk of myeloma.

Diagnosis for myeloma

If your doctor suspects you may have myeloma, you will have one or more of the following tests:

• Blood and urine tests
• X-rays
• Scans
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Cytogenetic tests

Treatment for myeloma

• Active monitoring
  Active monitoring, which involves regular check-ups, is most often used for early-stage myeloma, when it is considered that immediate treatment will not affect prognosis.
• Treatments to control myeloma
  Initial treatment usually includes a combination of chemotherapy and other drugs.

Generic Lenalidomide Capsules

Lenalidomide belongs to a class of drugs known as immunomodulatory agents. It works by helping the bone marrow produce normal, healthy blood cells and by killing abnormal blood cells inside the bone marrow.

You are usually given lenalidomide after you have already had two previous treatments for myeloma. Sometimes it may be given after just one treatment. You have lenalidomide with a steroid drug called dexamethasone and sometimes also with a chemotherapy drug.

This medication comes as a capsule that is taken by mouth, and should be swallowed whole. It should not be broken, chewed, or opened.

Your doctor will recommend the exact duration for which this medication should be taken. Sometimes, treatment may be paused if any severe side effects occur. Be sure to communicate any symptoms to your doctor.