Lenalidomide is an antiangiogenic agent (a drug that blocks the formation of blood vessels) which was approved for its medical use on 27th December 2005.

Lenalidomide has been developed to treat Multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome, mantle cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma.

Lenalidomide is available in the form of capsule in the doses 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, and 25mg. You shall take Lenalidomide capsule with or without food by swallowing the capsule with water once a day. If you have kidney problem, your healthcare provider will adjust the dose after measuring your creatinine clearance.

Common side effects of Lenalidomide are:

• Diarrhoea
• Rashes & itching
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Tiredness & weakness
• Fever & headache
• Bronchitis
• Inflammation of the stomach and intestine
• Muscle cramps
• Sleep problems
• Cough & sore throat
• Joint pain
• Nosebleeds
• Back pain

Serious side effects of Lenalidomide are:

• Thyroid problems
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Tumour lysis syndrome
• Secondary cancers
• Liver problems
• Low blood cell counts
• Allergic reactions (e.g., swelling of lips, eyes, face, or tongue, hives, breathing trouble)

• Allergies: Monitor for signs of hypersensitivity and discontinue Lenalidomide if you experience angioedema or anaphylaxis.
• Shortness of breath, abnormal bleeding, or extreme tiredness: Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.
• Blood monitoring: Your doctor will monitor your blood cell counts, platelets, blood sugar, electrolytes, and liver and kidney function during Lenalidomide treatment.
• Pre-existing conditions: Inform your doctor if you have been diagnosed with anaemia, liver problems, kidney disease, or heart problems.
• Skin reactions: Seek immediate medical attention if you develop red, itchy skin, rashes, peeling of the skin, yellowing of the skin and eyes, severe itching, very fast heartbeat, or fever.
• Liver problems: Monitor your liver function, as hepatic failure and fatalities have been reported. Stop Lenalidomide if you experience hepatotoxicity.
• Severe skin reactions: Discontinue Lenalidomide if you experience severe cutaneous reactions.
• Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS): Monitor patients at risk for TLS and take precautions, as fatalities have been observed.
• Tumour flare reactions: Report serious tumour flare reactions, including fatal ones, during treatment for CLL and lymphoma.

It is not recommended to get pregnant or breastfeed during treatment with Lenalidomide. Tell your physician before starting this treatment if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you could be pregnant or planning to have a baby. Discuss effective contraceptive methods with your physician and use them to prevent pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will conduct pregnancy test every 4 weeks if your menstrual cycle is regular and every 2 weeks if irregular.

Lenalidomide can cause dizziness and confusion. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid driving or doing activities that require your focus during this treatment. Tell your healthcare provider if you have lactose intolerance. Lenalidomide may affect liver function, so frequent monitoring is required. Consult your healthcare provider before starting treatment if you have existing liver problems.

1. Bristol Myers Squibb, US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on May 2022] [Accessed on 7th Sep 2022], https://packageinserts.bms.com/pi/pi_revlimid.pdf

2. Anton Wellstein, Giuseppe Giaccone, Michael B. Atkins, and Edward A. Sausville, Pathway-Targeted Therapies: Monoclonal Antibodies, Protein Kinase Inhibitors, and Various Small Molecules, Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 13th Edition, 2018, 1203-1236.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.