Lenalidomide

Molecule Description

Lenalidomide is utilized for the treatment of multiple myeloma. This medicine b

elongs to a group of medications which affect how your immune system works (immuno-modulatory).

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of 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...
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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

Contraindications of Lenalidomide

When should one not use Lenalidomide

Allergic to this medicine
Kidney impairment
Liver impairment

Side effects of Lenalidomide

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

Precautions and Warnings of Lenalidomide

Pregnancy

Can I take Lenalidomide during pregnancy?

It is adviced not to use this medicine during pregnancy as this medicine may harm your unborn baby
Inform your doctor if you are planning pregnancy or are pregnant

Breast Feeding

Can I take Lenalidomide while breastfeeding?

It is not advised to breastfeed as it is unknown if it passes into human milk.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Lenalidomide?

If you feel dizzy, tired, sleepy, have vertigo or blurred vision, do not drive.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Lenalidomide?

Alcohol consumption increases the adverse effects of the medicine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

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

Mode of Action of Lenalidomide

How Does It Work?

Lenalidomide acts by inhibiting the growth of new blood cells in tumors; it stimulates the immune system and decreases the cell growth factor. It alters certain genes present in the cancer cells and p...

Interactions of Lenalidomide

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

Dosage of Lenalidomide

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

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Abhishek B L

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking Lenalidomide?

A: Give a detailed account of your medical and surgical history. The doctor should also know about other health supplements like herbal medications, nutritional supplements that you may take before starting this medication.

Q: What are the precautions should I take while on this medicine?

A: The dosage regimen of the medicine should be followed regularly. Any miscalculation in the dose will have severe effects.

Q: Why there is a bleeding tendency while taking this medicine?

A: Lenalidomide is known to decrease the platelet count in the body (platelets are required to stop bleeding), so there are chances of bleeding tendency while taking this medicine.

References

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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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