Lenalidomide
About Lenalidomide
Lenalidomide is a medicine primarily prescribed to treat certain types of blood cancers and bone marrow disorders, such as multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes. It works by targeting abnormal cells in the bone marrow and helping the body regulate its immune response. This medication is crucial in stopping the progression of these serious conditions.
This medicine is typically taken once daily on a very specific schedule set by your doctor, and it must be taken consistently at the same time each day to be effective. You can take the capsules with or without food, but you should swallow them whole with a glass of water. Making lifestyle adjustments, such as drinking plenty of fluids and eating balanced meals, can support your body during this treatment.
While taking Lenalidomide, you may experience common side effects such as fatigue, mild diarrhoea, or dry skin. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you notice serious symptoms like sudden shortness of breath, severe leg swelling, high fever, or unusual bruising. Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood counts closely to manage these risks safely.
Before starting this medication, talk to your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver damage, or a history of blood clots. Do not take this if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as it can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects. Both male and female patients must strictly adhere to specific pregnancy prevention programs while on this therapy.
It is important to discuss all other medicines, alcohol use, and smoking habits with your provider, as they can increase your risk of blood clots or alter how the medication works. Pregnant and breastfeeding women must completely avoid this medicine, while elderly individuals should consult their doctor for personalised dose monitoring due to natural changes in kidney function.
Uses of Lenalidomide
Medicinal Benefits
Lenalidomide is used to treat certain blood cancers and bone marrow disorders. It works by slowing the growth of abnormal cells, supporting the immune system, and helping improve blood cell production in appropriate patients.
- Helps Control Disease Progression: Slows the growth and spread of abnormal cells, helping manage certain blood cancers and bone marrow disorders.
- Supports Healthy Blood Cell Production: May improve the production of healthy red blood cells in eligible patients, reducing the need for blood transfusions.
- Strengthens the Immune Response: Helps the immune system recognise and fight abnormal cells more effectively.
- Reduces Symptoms of Blood Disorders: By improving blood cell counts, it may help reduce fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms associated with anaemia and bone marrow disorders.
- Supports Long-Term Disease Management: Regular treatment as prescribed may help prolong disease control, improve treatment outcomes, and enhance quality of life.
Directions for Use
- Lenalidomide can be taken with or without food.
- It is usually taken once daily or as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow Lenalidomide as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or open it.
Storage
Side Effects of Lenalidomide
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Feeling very tired or weak
- Upset stomach, diarrhoea, or constipation
- Dry, itchy skin or mild rashes
- Muscle cramps, joint pain, or back pain
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away)
- Signs of a blood clot, such as sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or pain and swelling in one leg
- Signs of infection, including high fever, severe chills, sore throat, or persistent cough
- Unusual bruising, easy bleeding, or dark, tarry stools
- Severe skin reactions, such as a painful rash that spreads, blisters, or peels
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin, which may point to liver damage
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Do not donate blood: You must not donate blood during your treatment and for at least 4 weeks after your final dose to prevent the drug from reaching pregnant women.
- Avoid handling broken capsules: If a capsule is broken or leaking, do not touch the powder. If skin contact occurs, wash the area immediately with soap and water to prevent accidental absorption.
- Follow strict birth control guidelines: Both men and women must use reliable forms of birth control exactly as outlined by your doctor, as this medicine causes severe birth defects.
- Use a soft toothbrush: Your blood's clotting ability may be reduced during treatment, so use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle electric razor to prevent bleeding gums or cuts.
- Attend all scheduled blood tests: Your doctor will require regular blood monitoring to check your blood cell counts and kidney function. Never skip these appointments.
Drug Interactions
Lenalidomide may interact with certain medicines, affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
- Digoxin: Taking Lenalidomide alongside digoxin can increase the levels of digoxin in your blood, which may require your doctor to monitor your heart medication more closely.
- Blood thinners: Using blood-thinning medications or medicines that alter clotting can increase your risk of severe bleeding or blood clots.
- Immune-suppressing medicines: Combining Lenalidomide with other therapies that lower your body's immune response can significantly increase your risk of developing serious infections.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Lenalidomide as it might cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
unsafeLenalidomide should not be taken during pregnancy as it causes severe birth defects or death to an unborn baby. Use highly effective contraception if you are a woman of childbearing age. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Lenalidomide as it is unknown if Lenalidomide passes into breastmilk.
Driving
unsafeLenalidomide may cause dizziness, sleepiness, and blurred vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeLenalidomide is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stay well hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your kidney function and help your body process and clear the medication efficiently.
- Practice infection prevention: Wash your hands frequently and avoid raw or undercooked meats, eggs, and unwashed produce, as your immune system may be weaker during treatment.
- Incorporate gentle exercise: Engage in low-impact physical activities, such as daily walks, to help manage fatigue and reduce the risk of developing blood clots. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine.
- Moisturise your skin: Apply a thick, alcohol-free moisturiser daily to manage dry or itchy skin and prevent cracking, which can lead to infections.
Special Advise
- Do not take Lenalidomide if you are pregnant, as it might cause severe birth defects or death of the unborn baby.
- Male patients taking Lenalidomide must not donate semen and should use effective contraception during sexual activity, even though they have undergone a vasectomy.
- You must not donate blood while taking Lenalidomide and for 4 weeks after discontinuing Lenalidomide.
- Lenalidomide might increase the risk of blood clots. Inform your doctor if you notice any symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling of the arm or leg.
- Lenalidomide might cause abnormal/increased liver test results; inform the person doing the test that you are taking Lenalidomide.
- Lenalidomide might increase/decrease your blood sugar levels. Regularly monitor blood glucose levels while taking Lenalidomide. Consult your doctor if you are diabetic.
- Inform your doctor if you have any kidney dysfunction, as Lenalidomide might cause kidney problems.
- Regular blood tests are advised before and during treatment with Lenalidomide.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Multiple myeloma: Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. These cells collect in the bone marrow and divide uncontrollably, leading to kidney and bone damage. Symptoms include bone pain, loss of appetite, fever, and frequent infections.
Myelodysplastic syndromes: It is a group of disorders that occur due to abnormal functioning of blood cells. Symptoms include shortness of breath, anaemia, fatigue, need for blood transfusion, and risk of infections.
Mantle cell lymphoma: It is a cancer of the lymph tissue where the B-cells or B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells) grow in an uncontrolled manner and build up in the lymph tissue, blood or bone marrow.
Follicular lymphoma: It is a slow-growing cancer that affects B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells that help fight infection. In the case of follicular lymphoma, too many B lymphocytes build up in the blood, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and spleen.
FAQs
Lenalidomide is used to treat multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, mantle cell lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma. It is also used to treat a type of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) known as deletion 5q MDS, where part of chromosome 5 is missing.
Lenalidomide works by helping the body immune system and directly attacks cancer. It stops the development of cancer cells, stops the blood vessels growing in cancer, and stimulates the part of the immune system to attack the cancer cells.
Do not stop taking Lenalidomide on your own. You are advised to take Lenalidomide for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Lenalidomide.
No, it is not safe to father a child while taking Lenalidomide. Lenalidomide can pass into human semen. During sexual activity with females of reproductive potential, always use effective contraception such as latex or synthetic condom while taking Lenalidomide and for at least 4weeks after discontinuing Lenalidomide, even if you have undergone a successful vasectomy. Male patients taking Lenalidomide must not donate semen whilst taking Lenalidomide and for 4weeks after discontinuing Lenalidomide.
Patients taking Lenalidomide must not donate blood during the treatment with Lenalidomide and for 1month after discontinuation of Lenalidomide as the donated blood might be given to pregnant women whose foetus should not be exposed to Lenalidomide since it causes severe birth defects.
People with multiple myeloma taking Lenalidomide may have an increased risk for blood clots in veins, arteries, and lungs. The risk is even higher if you are taking dexamethasone with Lenalidomide for treating multiple myeloma. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and swelling in the legs or arm.
Lenalidomide might cause neutropenia (low white blood cells) or thrombocytopenia (low platelets). Blood count should be checked regularly during treatment with Lenalidomide.
You should take Lenalidomide at the same time every day. You can take the capsules with or without food.
Dose adjustment may be necessary. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Some people treated with Lenalidomide may rarely get other cancers. Consult your doctor for more details.
Yes, you will need to get regular blood tests while taking Lenalidomide. Your doctor may suggest taking tests before and during treatment.
Yes, even women with fertility difficulties must take birth control while taking this medication. You must also take a negative pregnancy test 10 to 14 days before treatment and again 24 hours before. You will be tested for pregnancy every 2 to 4 weeks while on Lenalidomide.
Lenalidomide contains Lenalidomide as an active ingredient.
Common side effects of Lenalidomide may include fatigue, constipation, diarrhoea, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, dizziness, shortness of breath, and weakness. Talk with your doctor if you persistently experience any of these side effects.
Lenalidomide should not be taken during pregnancy as it causes severe birth defects or death to an unborn baby. Use highly effective contraception if you are a woman of childbearing age. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Avoid breastfeeding while taking Lenalidomide as it is unknown if Lenalidomide passes into breastmilk.
No. You must swallow the capsules whole. Opening or crushing them can expose you or others to the active powder, which can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing pills.
This medicine has a high risk of causing severe, life-threatening birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The strict safety program ensures that patients understand this risk and use effective birth control during treatment. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for details on these requirements.
It is highly recommended to avoid or limit alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol can worsen side effects like dizziness, fatigue, and stomach upset, and can put extra strain on your liver. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalised guidance.
Mild dry skin or itching is common, but a severe, peeling, or painful rash requires immediate medical attention. If you notice any sudden or spreading skin changes, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor right away. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
The duration of your treatment depends on how well your condition responds and how well you tolerate the side effects. Your doctor will assess your progress regularly to decide how long you should continue the therapy. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for specific information.
Author Details
