Blood
Medicines for Myeloma
A cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow that can cause bone pain, fractures, anaemia, kidney problems and raised calcium — treatable and controllable with modern therapies.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Myeloma?
Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow that normally makes antibodies. In myeloma these cells grow abnormally, crowding the marrow and producing an abnormal protein.
- How it is treated: Myeloma cannot usually be cured, but it is very treatable and often controllable for years, with treatment aiming to put it into remission, relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
- Self-care: Staying as active as bones allow, keeping hydrated to protect the kidneys, prompt treatment of infections, and support for fatigue and bone health all help.
- When to seek help: See a GP for persistent unexplained bone or back pain, recurrent infections, or unexplained tiredness.
What it is
Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow that normally makes antibodies. In myeloma these cells grow abnormally, crowding the marrow and producing an abnormal protein. This leads to a characteristic set of problems, often remembered as bone damage (causing pain and fractures), raised calcium, kidney impairment and anaemia (tiredness), along with a greater tendency to infections. It mainly affects older adults. Because symptoms such as back pain and tiredness are common and non-specific, it can be diagnosed late; blood and urine tests, imaging and a bone marrow sample confirm it.
How it is treated
Myeloma cannot usually be cured, but it is very treatable and often controllable for years, with treatment aiming to put it into remission, relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Modern treatment uses combinations of anti-myeloma drugs, and some people have a stem cell transplant using their own cells. Alongside this, bone protection, treatment of anaemia and kidney problems, prompt management of infections, and pain control are important. Treatment is given in cycles and adjusted over time by a haematology (blood cancer) team, with relapses treated with further lines of therapy.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Myeloma
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Staying as active as bones allow, keeping hydrated to protect the kidneys, prompt treatment of infections, and support for fatigue and bone health all help. Vaccinations may be advised given the raised infection risk.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP for persistent unexplained bone or back pain, recurrent infections, or unexplained tiredness. Seek urgent care for sudden severe back pain with leg weakness or numbness, or confusion, which can be complications.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Myeloma: frequently asked questions
Is myeloma curable?
It usually cannot be cured, but it is very treatable and often controllable for years. Treatment aims for remission, controls symptoms, and is adjusted over time, with relapses treated with further therapy.
What are the common problems myeloma causes?
Often remembered as bone damage (pain and fractures), raised calcium, kidney impairment and anaemia, along with a greater risk of infections.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE NG35 — Myeloma
- Myeloma UK / British Society for Haematology
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