Skip to main content

Medications for Multiple Myeloma

Other names: Cancer, Malignant Plasmacytoma; Cancer, Multiple Myeloma; Cancer, Plasma Cell Dyscrasia; Cancer, Plasma Cell Myeloma; Malignant Plasmacytoma; Myeloma, Multiple; Plasma Cell Dyscrasia; Plasma Cell Myeloma; Plasmacytoma of Bone

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that forms in plasma cells (also called mature B-lymphocytes), which are a type of white blood cell that is made in the bone marrow. These plasma cells produce a specific type of antibody that helps to fight infections.

Myeloma develops when plasma cells undergo a cancerous change and turn into myeloma cells. These myeloma cells multiply randomly and without order, forming collections of cells called tumors that accumulate most commonly in the bone marrow and on the surfaces of different bones in the body.

These crowd the bone marrow and prevent it from making antibodies and other blood cells, such as red cells, white cells, and platelets.

Myeloma cells secrete chemicals that stimulate osteoclasts (which are cells that break down bone, removing calcium). This causes bones to become weaker and more brittle, which mean they fracture more easily.

Myeloma cells also produce an abnormal type of immunoglobulin that can be detected in the blood. This immunoglobulin may also be called monoclonal immunoglobulin, myeloma protein, or simply M protein. The myeloma type is described by which type of excess immunoglobulin is produced (heavy or light chain myeloma).

Multiple myeloma is considered a rare type of cancer,

What are the Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma?

Early in the disease process, multiple myeloma may not cause any symptoms, and even after diagnosis, treatment may not be needed immediately.

But as it progresses, symptoms of multiple myeloma can include:

  • Bone pain, often in the back and ribs
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Easy bruising due to low platelets
  • Anemia
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach problems like nausea and vomiting
  • Mental changes like confusion
  • Increased susceptibility to infections
  • Bone fractures
  • Dehydration
  • Kidney problems.

How is Multiple Myeloma Diagnosed?

Symptoms of multiple myeloma usually don't appear until the disease is more advanced. However, in some cases, your doctor might suspect multiple myeloma based on a blood or urine test taken for another reason.

The following tests may be used during the diagnosis of multiple myeloma:

  • Blood tests (CBC) to look for blood cell counts and certain proteins
  • Urine tests to also look for proteins
  • Bone marrow biopsy to look for myeloma cells
  • Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, CT or positron emission tomography (PET)
  • Other tests and procedures may be used as well, depending upon your circumstances.

How is Multiple Myeloma Treated?

The treatment for multiple myeloma may include:

  • Targeted or biologic drug therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Stem cell transplant
  • Radiation
  • Surgery
  • Bisphosphonates
  • Corticosteroids.

Drugs used to treat Multiple Myeloma

The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

Filter
Drug name Rating Reviews Activity ? Rx/OTC Pregnancy CSA Alcohol
Revlimid 7.3 20 reviews for Revlimid to treat Multiple Myeloma
Rx X N
Generic name:
lenalidomide systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous antineoplastics, other immunosuppressants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Velcade 9.0 6 reviews for Velcade to treat Multiple Myeloma
Rx D N
Generic name:
bortezomib systemic
Drug class:
proteasome inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
dexamethasone 3.3 3 reviews for dexamethasone to treat Multiple Myeloma
Rx C N
Generic name:
dexamethasone systemic
Brand names:
Dexamethasone Intensol, De-Sone LA, Dxevo, Hemady, Zcort
Drug class:
glucocorticoids
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
daratumumab 8.1 16 reviews for daratumumab to treat Multiple Myeloma
Rx N
Generic name:
daratumumab systemic
Brand name:
Darzalex
Drug class:
CD38 monoclonal antibodies
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
lenalidomide 7.3 20 reviews for lenalidomide to treat Multiple Myeloma
Rx X N
Generic name:
lenalidomide systemic
Brand name:
Revlimid
Drug class:
miscellaneous antineoplastics, other immunosuppressants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
bortezomib 8.8 7 reviews for bortezomib to treat Multiple Myeloma
Rx D N
Generic name:
bortezomib systemic
Brand name:
Velcade
Drug class:
proteasome inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Darzalex 7.3 4 reviews for Darzalex to treat Multiple Myeloma
Rx N
Generic name:
daratumumab systemic
Drug class:
CD38 monoclonal antibodies
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Darzalex Faspro Rate Add review
Rx N
Generic name:
daratumumab / hyaluronidase systemic
Drug class:
CD38 monoclonal antibodies
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Xpovio Rate Add review
Rx N
Generic name:
selinexor systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous antineoplastics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
selinexor Rate Add review
Rx N
Generic name:
selinexor systemic
Brand name:
Xpovio
Drug class:
miscellaneous antineoplastics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
teclistamab 9.0 1 review for teclistamab to treat Multiple Myeloma
Rx N
Generic name:
teclistamab systemic
Brand name:
Tecvayli
Drug class:
miscellaneous antineoplastics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
Abecma Rate Add review
Rx N
Generic name:
idecabtagene vicleucel systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous antineoplastics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Carvykti Rate Add review
Rx N
Generic name:
ciltacabtagene autoleucel systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous antineoplastics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
ciltacabtagene autoleucel Rate Add review
Rx N
Generic name:
ciltacabtagene autoleucel systemic
Brand name:
Carvykti
Drug class:
miscellaneous antineoplastics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
Tecvayli Rate Add review
Rx N
Generic name:
teclistamab systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous antineoplastics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Pomalyst 10 3 reviews for Pomalyst to treat Multiple Myeloma
Rx X N
Generic name:
pomalidomide systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous antineoplastics, other immunosuppressants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
thalidomide Rate Add review
Rx X N X
Generic name:
thalidomide systemic
Brand name:
Thalomid
Drug class:
leprostatics, miscellaneous antineoplastics, other immunosuppressants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
cyclophosphamide 0.0 2 reviews for cyclophosphamide to treat Multiple Myeloma
Rx D N
Generic name:
cyclophosphamide systemic
Drug class:
alkylating agents
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Dexamethasone Intensol Rate Add review
Rx C N
Generic name:
dexamethasone systemic
Drug class:
glucocorticoids
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Kyprolis 4.3 3 reviews for Kyprolis to treat Multiple Myeloma
Rx D N
Generic name:
carfilzomib systemic
Drug class:
proteasome inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
pomalidomide 10 3 reviews for pomalidomide to treat Multiple Myeloma
Rx X N
Generic name:
pomalidomide systemic
Brand name:
Pomalyst
Drug class:
miscellaneous antineoplastics, other immunosuppressants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
Thalomid Rate Add review
Rx X N X
Generic name:
thalidomide systemic
Drug class:
leprostatics, miscellaneous antineoplastics, other immunosuppressants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
carfilzomib 4.3 3 reviews for carfilzomib to treat Multiple Myeloma
Rx D N
Generic name:
carfilzomib systemic
Brand name:
Kyprolis
Drug class:
proteasome inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
Ninlaro 4.7 3 reviews for Ninlaro to treat Multiple Myeloma
Rx N
Generic name:
ixazomib systemic
Drug class:
proteasome inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Alkeran Rate Add review
Rx D N
Generic name:
melphalan systemic
Drug class:
alkylating agents
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information

Frequently asked questions

View more FAQ

Topics under Multiple Myeloma

Learn more about Multiple Myeloma

Care guides

Symptoms and treatments

Medicine.com guides (external)

Legend

Rating For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx Prescription only.
OTC Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC Prescription or Over-the-counter.
Off-label This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
EUA An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded Access Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U CSA Schedule is unknown.
N Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1 Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2 Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3 Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X Interacts with Alcohol.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.