Lenalidomide

• Multiple myeloma (a type of cancer which affects a certain kind of white blood cell, called the plasma cell. These cells collect in the bone marrow and divide, becoming out of control. This can damage the bones and kidneys)
• Myelodysplastic syndromes (the blood cells become abnormal and do not function properly)
• Mantle cell lymphoma (B-cells grow in an uncontrolled way and build up in the lymph tissue, bone marrow or blood)
• Follicular Lymphoma or Marginal Zone Lymphoma

When should one not use Lenalidomide

• Allergic to this medicine
• Kidney impairment
• Liver impairment

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Blood clots in the veins (serious side effect)
• Low blood counts (anaemia, low neutrophils, low platelets, low WBCs)
• Bleeding or bruising in the absence of injury
• Chest pain or leg pain
• Low levels of potassium and sodium in the blood
• Infections of all types
• Shortness of breath
• Constipation, diarrhea, nausea
• Redness of skin, rashes
• Blurred vision
• Clouding of your eye (cataract)
• Kidney problems
• Increase in liver test results
• Changes to a protein in the blood that can cause swelling of the arteries (vasculitis)
• Increases in your blood sugar level (diabetes)
• Decreases in your blood sugar
• Headache
• Dry skin

Other General Warnings

• You have had blood clots in the past - you have an increased risk of developing blood clots in the veins and arteries during treatment
• You have any signs of an infection, such as a cough or fever
• You have or have ever had a previous viral infection, particularly Hepatitis B infection
• You have kidney problems
• You have had a heart attack

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines used to prevent pregnancy such as oral contraceptives, as they may stop working
• Some medicines used for heart problems – such as Digoxin
• Some medicines used to thin the blood – such as Warfarin

Interactions with food items

• Multiple myeloma can cause anemia
• Patient should have iron rich diet like beans, chickpeas, lentils, nuts, spinach, and other leafy greens
• A person should also include sources of vitamin C with non-heme iron like bell peppers, oranges, berries, and lemon juice, in their diet to improve absorption

Overdose

• Overdose may cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
• Peripheral neuropathy may develop in an overdose
• Bone marrow suppression occurs which will lead to anaemia, low WBC count, low immunity, low platelet count, and easy bleeding/ bruising tendency
• Inform your doctor immediately in case you suspect an overdose

Missed a Dose