Lenalidomide 10 mg Capsules

Lenalidomide 10 mg Capsules

Lenalidomide 10 mg Capsules is used to treat multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer), either alone or in combination with other medications.

Lenalidomide 10 mg Capsules is also used to treat anaemia (low red blood cell count) in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome caused by a chromosomal abnormality. The bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells in people with this disorder.

Lenalidomide is also used to treat mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and marginal zone lymphoma after other treatments have failed.

Lenalidomide is only available through a special programme. You must enrol in the programme and be aware of the risks and benefits of lenalidomide. You must also agree to follow the program’s birth control guidelines.

Warnings

If you are pregnant, do not take this medication. If the mother or father is taking lenalidomide at the time of conception or during pregnancy, even one dose can result in severe, life-threatening birth defects or the death of the baby.

Whether you are a man or a woman, use birth control to avoid pregnancy. For women, use two forms of birth control starting four weeks before starting lenalidomide and ending four weeks after stopping it. For men: Use a condom to avoid pregnancy during treatment and for up to 4 weeks after it ends.

Lenalidomide has the potential to cause blood clots. If you experience sudden numbness, severe headache, problems with vision or speech, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, or swelling in your arm or leg, stop using this medication and contact your doctor right away.

Before taking this medicine

If you are allergic to lenalidomide, you should not use it.

If either the mother or the father is taking lenalidomide at the time of conception or during pregnancy, it can result in severe, life-threatening birth defects or the death of the baby.

Even a single dose of lenalidomide can result in significant birth defects of the baby’s arms and legs, bones, ears, eyes, face, and heart. If you are pregnant, do not take lenalidomide. If your period is late while taking lenalidomide, notify your doctor right away.

For Women:

If you have not had a hysterectomy, you must use two reliable forms of birth control starting four weeks before you start taking lenalidomide and ending four weeks after you stop.

Even women who have fertility issues must use birth control while taking this medication. You must also have a negative pregnancy test 10 to 14 days and again 24 hours before treatment. You will have a pregnancy test every 2 to 4 weeks while taking lenalidomide.

Birth control pills, an intrauterine device (IUD), a tubal ligation, or a sexual partner’s vasectomy are all examples of highly effective birth control methods. You must use an additional form of birth control that is a barrier method, such as a latex condom, a diaphragm, or a cervical cap.

If you stop using birth control, your period is late, or you suspect you are pregnant, stop taking lenalidomide and contact your doctor right away. Abstinence from sexual intercourse is the most effective method of preventing pregnancy.

For Men:

If a man fathers a child while taking lenalidomide, the child may be born with birth defects. Use a condom to avoid pregnancy during treatment and for up to 4 weeks after it ends.

Even if you have had a vasectomy, you must agree in writing to always use latex condoms when having sex with a woman who is capable of becoming pregnant. If you have had unprotected sex, even once, or if you suspect your female sexual partner is pregnant, see your doctor.

Inform your doctor if you’ve ever had:

• a thalidomide-related allergic reaction
• kidney disorder (or if you are on dialysis)
• disease of the liver
• a clot in the blood or a stroke
• high blood pressure, cholesterol, or triglyceride levels
• a thyroid condition
• lactose sensitivity
• if you are a smoker

Lenalidomide use may increase your chances of developing other cancers, such as leukaemia or lymphoma. Discuss your specific risk with your doctor.

You should not breastfeed if you are taking lenalidomide.

Lenalidomide side effects

If you have symptoms of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction, seek emergency medical attention (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Lenalidomide has the potential to cause serious side effects. If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away:

• signs of a stroke or blood clot: Sudden numbness or weakness, severe headache, speech or vision problems, shortness of breath, swelling or redness in your arm or leg.

• heart attack symptoms: Sweating, chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder.

• liver problems: Upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) are all symptoms of jaundice.

• low blood cell counts: Fever, chills, swollen gums, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, and unusual bleeding are all symptoms of a virus.

• signs of a tumor getting worse: swollen glands, low fever, rash, or pain.

• signs of tumor cell breakdown: lower back pain, blood in your urine, little or no urinating; numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth; muscle weakness or tightness; feeling short of breath; confusion, fainting.

Common side effects of lenalidomide may include:

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat
• sleep problems, tiredness
• weakness
• headache
• tremors
• nosebleed
• muscle cramps
• joint pain
• shortness of breath
• fever, cough, tiredness
• itching, rash, swelling
• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation

FAQs

How should I administer lenalidomide?

Read all medication guides or instruction sheets and follow all directions on your prescription label. Take the medication exactly as prescribed. Never give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same disorder as you.

Take the medication on a daily basis, with or without food.

Each dose should be taken with a full glass of water. Without breaking it open, swallow the capsule whole.

Lenalidomide may raise your chances of bleeding or infection. You will require regular medical tests.

If you get medicine from an open capsule on your skin, it can be dangerous. If this happens, clean your skin with soap and water. Inquire with your doctor or pharmacist about how to handle and dispose of a broken capsule safely.

Store away from moisture and heat at room temperature.

What if I forget to take a dose?

Take the medication as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if you are more than 12 hours late. Do not take two doses at the same time.

What should I stay away from while taking lenalidomide?

You must refrain from donating blood or sperm while on lenalidomide and for at least 4 weeks after your last dose. Avoid inadvertently or sexually exposing another person to your blood or sperm.

What other medications will interact with lenalidomide?

Inform your doctor if you are also taking pembrolizumab (Keytruda).

Other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products, may interact with lenalidomide. Inform your doctor about all of your current medications as well as any new or discontinued medications.