Concerned about FDA secondary cancer warnings when using Revlimid?

I wanted to keep those of you who kindly follow my site updated on my medical journey.

OK, OK.  I know I was a bit negative late yesterday afternoon after posting what I felt were far from impressive, post stem cell transplant (SCT) news and numbers researchers have found using Revlimid as a maintenance drug.

I just returned from my 8th Velcade/dex infusion in the past five weeks.  I feel like I have been hit by truck! 

Yesterday I shared how–after almost four years–I have decided to go ahead with a stem cell transplant.

Whether you are a newly diagnosed patient or long term survivor, there is still lots of confusion over which anti-myeloma therapies should be used and when.

Here is part of the latest press release from Celgene, makers of the oral multiple myeloma chemotherapy drug, Revlimid:

What our doctors read in medical journals and publications which summarize research results and new therapy trends greatly influences how they are likely to act.

Saturday I started sharing some basics for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients and caregivers, Tips To Raise Your Multiple Myeloma IQ.

Yesterday I wrote an article about the pros and cons of using maintenance therapy from a patient’s perspective.  Here is an additional point to consider before deciding whether or not to start a long term maintenance therapy program.

Here is the Celgene/Revlimid maintenance study I referenced at the end of my article about new, promising anti-multiple myeloma therapies I wrote earlier today:

Last evening I wrote an article about the IMF’s ASH kick-off event, featuring doctor Durie, Medical Director of the IMF, Dr. Rajkumar with Mayo Clinic, Dr. San Miguel from Spain, Dr. Palumbo from Italy, Dr. Moreau from France and Dr. Orlowski with M.D. Anderson in Houston.

I know this isn’t what most multiple myeloma patients want to hear, but the evidence is growing that it is better to stay on some type of maintenance therapy indefinitely.  This applies to those who undergo a stem cell transplant and those who don’t. 

Here is a timely press release, filed by Celgene and posted on Yahoo Finance, which relates to our ongoing discussion concerning the high cost of anti-multiple myeloma chemotherapy medications:
Celgene Expects to Receive a Paragraph IV Notification of an ANDA Filing for REVLIMID®
SUMMIT, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG – News) today announced that information was posted on the FDA Web site indicating that an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) has been received by the Office of Generic Drugs (OGD) containing a “Paragraph IV” patent certification, for REVLIMID (lenalidomide) 25 mg capsules. Celgene has not yet received the Paragraph IV notification letter identifying the filer.