Lenalidomide is a drug used to treat multiple myloma, which is cancer of the bone marrow. This drug can also be used in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome, which is a group of conditions and diseases caused by damaged or defective blood cells produced by the bone marrow.
Lenalodomide works by triggering the death of cancer cells. This drug can also strengthen cells in the immune system to fight cancer cells.
In the treatment of multiple myeloma, lenalodomide can be combined with dexamethasone. This drug should not be used carelessly and must be according to a doctor's prescription.
lenalidomide trademark: Vilena
What is Lenalidomide
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Anti cancer |
| Benefit | Treat myelodysplastic syndrome or multiple myeloma |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Lenalidomide for pregnant and lactating women | Category X: Studies in experimental animals and humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities or a risk to the fetus. Drugs in this category should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant. This category should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant. It is not known whether Lenalidomide is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Capsule |
Warnings Before Taking Lenalidomide
Lenalidomide should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before taking lenalidomide:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Lenalidomide should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug or to thalidomide drugs.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, stroke, lactose intolerance, blood clotting disorders, or an infectious disease, such as chickenpox or herpes.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have recently had an organ transplant.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. Lenalidomide should not be taken by pregnant women. Use effective contraception while on treatment with lenalidomide.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness, after taking lenalidomide, as this medicine may cause dizziness.
- Talk to your doctor if you plan to vaccinate with a live vaccine, such as the measles or influenza vaccine, while on treatment with lenalidomide.
- As much as possible, avoid close contact with people with infectious diseases that are easily transmitted, such as chickenpox or the flu, because these drugs can make it easier for you to catch an infection.
- Tell your doctor if you plan to get vaccinated while on treatment with lenalidomide.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking lenalidomide.
Lenalidomide Dosage and Directions
The dose of lenalidomide given by the doctor depends on the patient's health condition and the response of the patient's body to the drug. Here is the explanation:
- Condition: Myelodysplastic syndrome
Initial dose 10 mg, once daily, on days 1–21 of a 28-day cycle.
- Condition: Multiple myeloma
When combined with dexamethasone, the initial dose of lenalidomide is 25 mg, once daily, on days 1–21 of a 28-day cycle.
How to Take Lenalidomide Correctly
Take lenalidomide as directed by your doctor and always read the instructions for use listed on the medicine package. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Before and during treatment with lenalidomide, the doctor will ask the patient to have regular blood tests.
Swallow this medicine whole. Do not crush, chew, or split the capsules. It is recommended to wash hands thoroughly after touching this medicine. If the medicinal powder gets on the skin, wash the affected skin with soap and water.
Lenalidomide can enter the body through the skin or the airways and lungs. Therefore, pregnant women are not advised to touch this drug, because it can harm the fetus.
Lenalidomide can be taken before or after meals. If you forget to take lenalidomide, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose of lenalidomide to make up for a missed dose.
Store lenalidomide at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, and out of reach of children.
Lenalidomide Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some interactions that can occur if lenalidomide is taken with other medicines:
- Increased risk of blood clots (thrombosis) if taken with hormonal drugs, including birth control pills
- Increased levels of digoxin in the blood
- Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis if taken with statin cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as simvastatin
- Increased risk of severe and fatal infection with adalimumab, baricitinib, clozapine, certolizumab,
- Decreased effectiveness of live vaccines, such as BCG vaccine or influenza vaccine
Lenalidomide Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can occur after taking lenalidomide, including:
- Tingling or numbness
- Diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Sweating at night
- Difficulty sleeping, headaches, or dizziness
- Changes in taste on the tongue or dry mouth
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Difficulty breathing, chest pain, palpitations, fast heart rate, or irregular heartbeat
- Unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice, or persistent nausea and vomiting
- Pale, easy bruising, nosebleeds, bloody stools, bleeding gums
- Fever, chills, cough, canker sores, or swollen lymph nodes
- Mental and mood disorders
- Seizures or tremors
