Lenalidomide

Cytostatic · Immunomodulator

Indications

In combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of multiple myeloma patients who have received at least one prior therapy.

Dosage

Adults: Initially 25 mg once daily on day 1-21 of repeated 28-day cycle. Adjust dose accordingly. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Infections, blood dyscrasias, hypothyroidism, depression, cerebrovascular accident, disturbed balance, venous thromboembolic events, cardiac failure, altered LFTs, urinary retention, joint swelling, renal failure, hepatic failure, toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Precautions: Renal impairment (CrCl < 50 mL/min); monitor renal function. Risk factors for MI, tumour lysis syndrome. Risk factors for thromboembolism; consider prophylactic anti-thrombotic therapy. Risk of liver injury. Monitor hepatic function and perform FBC (including WBC count with differential, platelet, haemoglobin and haematocrit) at base line, weekly for 1st eight weeks and monthly thereafter. Monitor thyroid function. Risk of secondary primary malignancy. Elderly.

Interactions

Other myelosuppressive agents, warfarin, digoxin, hepatotoxic drugs, oral contraceptives, P-gp inhibitors.

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals. Swallow whole with water. Do not open, break or chew capsules. If a dose is missed, take it if you remember within 12 hours otherwise skip this dose and return to normal schedule. Do not take double dose. Contact prescriber if there is unusual bruising or bleeding, dark stools, blood with stools, fever, sore throat, rash, chills, decreased urination, irregular heartbeat, severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, cramps, liver problems (pale stool, dark urine, stomach pain, yellowing of skin or eyes, unusual tiredness), red/swollen/blistered/peeling skin (with or without fever), red or irritated eyes, sores in mouth/throat/ nose/eyes. Avoid harmful activities that may cause injury. Avoid highly crowded places to prevent infection. Keep all doctors and lab appointments.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed. Half-life elimination: Poorly metabolized to 5-hydroxy-lenalidomide and N-acetyl-lenalidomide. Time to peak, plasma: Approx. 0.5-6 hrs (in MDS or myeloma patients). Excretion: Urine (approx. 82%).

Brands with this active ingredient

• Lenaido
• Lenmid
• Linamide
• Relidomide

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.