The main goal of treatment for myeloma is to get rid of myeloma cells. The term side effect is used to describe how treatment affects healthy cells. Patients react to treatments in different ways. Sometimes there are very mild side effects. Other side effects may be serious and last a long time.
Myeloma patients should talk with their doctors about side effects before they begin any type of treatment. There are drugs and other therapies can prevent or manage many side effects.
Side Effects of Myeloma Treatment
Some side effects of myeloma treatment may include:
- Upset stomach and vomiting
- Mouth sores
- Constipation
- Extreme tiredness
- Infections
- Low red cell count (anemia)
- Low white cell count (neutropenia)
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
- Achy feeling
- Numb feeling in arms, hands, legs or feet.
Click here to read more about these side effects.
Myeloma can lead to other mild to serious health complications and side effects. Click here to read about these disease complications.
Use the Survivorship Workbook to collect all the important information you need throughout diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care and long-term management of a blood cancer.
Related Links
- Managing Side Effects
- Integrative Medicine and Complementary and Alternative Therapies
- Download lists of questions to ask your doctor
- FDA drug information webpage
- Download or order The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's free booklets: