Lenalidomide



Revlimid®







Lenalidomide

(le na LID oh mide)

U.S. Brand Names
Revlimid®
Pharmacologic Category
Angiogenesis Inhibitor; Immunosuppressant Agent; Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Blocking Agent
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. A male must use a latex condom. A female must use two effective forms of birth control during treatment. A written explanation of risks must be presented, reviewed, and agreed upon by the patient before receiving this medicine. If a patient is younger than 18 years of age, this warning must be agreed upon by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Serious blood cell count problems may occur. Report any fever, sore throat, mouth sores, infections, easy bruising, or purple “splotches” on your skin to healthcare provider right away.
  • This medicine can cause blood clots in your veins or lungs. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain or swelling of the legs or arms.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to lenalidomide or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are of childbearing age, but are not using two forms of birth control or if you are planning to become pregnant during your treatment or within 4 weeks after treatment has ended.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat a variety of cancers.
How does it work?
  • Lenalidomide injures cancer cells causing their death.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
  • Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Be careful about taking vaccinations while you are receiving this medicine.
  • If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Talk with healthcare provider before using aspirin, aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.
  • Use two forms of birth control that you can trust before treatment begins, during treatment, and for 4 weeks after treatment ends.
  • If you are a male and sexually active, protect your partner from pregnancy. Use a latex condom.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Anemia, low white blood cell count, and low platelet count.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Itching.
  • Rash.
  • Feeling tired or weak.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Swelling.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you are a female of childbearing age, pregnancy tests will be administered before starting this medicine, while you are on this medicine, and for 4 weeks after you have finished the medication.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Chest pain or pressure.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Swelling or pain of leg or arm.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • For females, if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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