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Lenalidomide
INFORMATION ABOUT LENALIDOMIDE
Lenalidomide Uses
Lenalidomide is used in the treatment of multiple myeloma and lepra reaction.
How Lenalidomide works
Lenalidomide is an anti-cancer medication. It works by enhancing the immune system that indirectly attacks the cancer cells. It prevents the growth of new blood vessels within the tumor. It also restricts the production of chemical messengers (cytokine and growth factor) which are responsible for the growth of cancer cells. This is how it works against cancer.
Common side effects of Lenalidomide
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Headache, Nausea, Rash, Breathlessness, Dizziness, Fatigue, Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Joint pain, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Itching, Diarrhea, Depression, High blood pressure, Low blood platelets, Lymphocytopenia, Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, Peripheral edema, Cough, Back pain, Upper respiratory tract infection, Urinary tract infection, Decreased appetite, Decreased potassium level in blood, Increased alanine aminotransferase, Increased aspartate aminotransferase, Discomfort when urinating, Palpitations, Leukemia (blood cancer), Decreased level of thyroid hormones, Bruise, Fall, Pneumonia, Increased glucose level in blood, Taste change, Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages)
CONTENT DETAILS
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Written By
Dr. Swati Mishra
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
09 Dec 2024 | 03:42 AM (UTC)
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Medicine brands for Lenalidomide
Expert advice for Lenalidomide
- You may be monitored with regular blood tests before and during the treatment as lenalidomide may cause a fall in the white blood cells and platelets, required to fight infection, Hemoglobin and blood clotting.
- Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury and avoid contact with people who have colds or infections.
- It makes your skin sensitive towards sunlight. Apply sunscreen or wear protective while going out.
- It may cause dehydration. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated while taking medication.
- It is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years.
- You should use proper contraceptive methods at least 4 weeks before, during and until 4 weeks after stopping treatment.
- Woman of childbearing potential will be required to undergo pregnancy tests before and after the treatment.
- You should inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Lenalidomide before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- It may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
- You may be at risk of developing acute myelogenous leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma tumor lysis syndrome, fatal liver problems, severe skin reactions, and fatal heart problems during treatment with Lenalidomide. You should discuss in advance the benefits and risks of taking this medicine.
Frequently asked questions for Lenalidomide
Lenalidomide may be taken with or without food. Always take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not crush, cut or chew the capsules. Swallow it whole with water. You should take Lenalidomide at about the same time on the scheduled days.
Yes, Lenalidomide is given to dialysis patients after the dialysis is done. However, the doctor may adjust the dose if needed in patients undergoing.
Lenalidomide may cause side effects which include diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, weakness, dizziness, change in ability to taste, and pain or burning of the tongue, mouth, or throat. The medicine may also cause decreased sense of touch, burning or tingling in the hands or feet, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, depression, and joint, muscle, bone, or back pain. You may also experience sweating, dry skin, abnormal hair growth in women, uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body, decrease in sexual desire or ability or painful, frequent, or urgent urination. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.
The serious side effects of Lenalidomide include difficult breathing or swallowing, hoarseness or swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs. Some of the serious side effects may also include seizures, rash, skin pain, fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or blistering, peeling, or shedding skin. It may also cause swollen glands in the neck, muscle cramps, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark colored urine, tiredness, or bloody, cloudy, or painful urination and increased or decreased urination. Call your doctor immediately if you get any of these side effects.
People with multiple myeloma (a form of cancer that begins in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell) who receive melphalan (chemotherapy) and a blood stem cell transplant with the addition of Lenalidomide have a higher risk of developing new cancers. These types of cancers may include certain blood cancers (acute myelogenous leukemia or AML) and a type of lymphoma called Hodgkin lymphoma. Talk to your doctor about your risk of developing new cancers if you are taking Lenalidomide.
Your doctor will ask you to have a blood test before treatment and every week for the first 8 weeks of treatment. You may need to continue taking the blood tests at least every month after treatment with Lenalidomide ends. Frequent blood tests are important as Lenalidomide may decrease the blood cells that help fight infection (white blood cells) and help the blood to clot (platelets).
Women who can become pregnant must use two acceptable forms of birth control for 4 weeks before they begin taking Lenalidomide. Continue using contraceptives during your treatment, including the times when your doctor tells you to temporarily stop taking Lenalidomide, and for 4 weeks after your final dose. In men, Lenalidomide may pass into the semen while they are on treatment. Therefore, men must always use a latex condom every time they have sexual contact, even if they have had a vasectomy (surgery that prevents a man from causing a pregnancy). Use the contraceptive while you are taking Lenalidomide, during any breaks in your treatment, and for 4 weeks after your final dose.