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What is Lenalidomide
LenalidomideThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryLenalidomide (previously referred to as CC-5013) is a medication that is used to treat different types of cancer. It is similar to thalidomide but is more potent and has fewer side effects. Lenalidomide works by killing cancer cells, reducing inflammation, and boosting the body’s immune system. It is available in oral capsules and is approved by the FDA and the EU for the treatment of multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and marginal zone lymphoma. Lenalidomide is only available through a
Revlimidis the brand name
Lenalidomide Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Revlimid
Lenalidomide
2005
70
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Lenalidomide, also known as Revlimid, is approved by the FDA for 10 uses which include Follicular Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma .Follicular Lymphoma
Used to treat Follicular Lymphoma ( FL) in combination with Rituximab
Multiple Myeloma
Used to treat Multiple Myeloma (MM) in combination with Dexamethasone
Lymphoma
Used to treat Marginal Zone Lymphoma (MZL) in combination with Rituximab
at least two prior systemic chemotherapy regimens
Myelodysplastic Syndrome
previously treated
In adults whose disease has relapsed with Rituximab
Anemia
Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Relapsed and/or Refractory Lymphoma
Hemopoietic stem cell transplant
Used to treat post-autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in combination with Dexamethasone
Effectiveness
How Lenalidomide Affects PatientsLenalidomide is a drug that can help fight cancer, reduce the growth of tumors, and stop the spread of cancer cells. It also works to control inflammation and improve the body's natural immunity by increasing T cell proliferation and activity of natural killer (NK) cells. Lenalidomide is more powerful than thalidomide at stimulating T cell proliferation, and can even improve the body's response to other cancer treatments like rituximab. Additionally, lenalidomide may be of use in treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
How Lenalidomide works in the bodyLenalidomide works in multiple ways to combat cancer. It modulates the production of certain molecules, like cytokines, which control the body's immune response. Lenalidomide also attaches to an adaptor protein, which marks molecules for destruction. This includes certain B-cell transcription factors that are essential for B-cell survival of malignant cells. Lenalidomide also reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhances anti-inflammatory cytokines. It increases the activity of natural killer cells and CD4+ T cells, which helps to fight cancer. Lenalidomide also directly affects tumor cells by inhibiting their growth
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested dose of Lenalidomide relies upon the determined condition, including Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Relapsed and/or Refractory Lymphoma and Refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). The magnitude of dosage is contingent upon the technique of delivery (e.g. Capsule - Oral or Oral) detailed in the table hereunder.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Myelodysplastic Syndrome
5.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 7.5 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
5.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 7.5 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Mantle Cell Lymphoma
5.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 7.5 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Follicular Lymphoma
5.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 7.5 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
previously treated
5.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 7.5 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
at least two prior systemic chemotherapy regimens
5.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 7.5 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Multiple Myeloma
5.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 7.5 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Hemopoietic stem cell transplant
5.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 7.5 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Amyloidosis
5.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 7.5 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Relapsed and/or Refractory Lymphoma
5.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 7.5 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Lymphoma
5.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 7.5 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
5.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 7.5 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Anemia
5.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 7.5 mg, , 20.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Warnings
Lenalidomide has one contraindication, so it should not be taken when you have any of the conditions in the following table.Lenalidomide ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Lenalidomide may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Lenalidomide Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
2-Methoxyethanol
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Lenalidomide is combined with 2-Methoxyethanol.
9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Lenalidomide is combined with 9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A.
Abatacept
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Lenalidomide is combined with Abatacept.
Abetimus
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Lenalidomide is combined with Abetimus.
Acteoside
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Lenalidomide is combined with Acteoside.
Lenalidomide Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest amount of lenalidomide that can cause death in rats is greater than 2000mg/kg when taken orally, and greater than 40mg/kg when taken intravenously. In humans, the lowest toxic dose is 9mg/kg taken intermittently. If someone takes too much lenalidomide, potential side effects can include pregnancy risks, low white blood cell or platelet counts, increased risk of blood clots, secondary cancers, liver damage, severe skin reactions, fast breakdown of cancer cells, hormone imbalances, and thyroid problems.
Lenalidomide Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Lenalidomide?
426 active trials are presently being conducted to evaluate the potential of Lenalidomide in treating previously treated, Relapsed and/or Refractory Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Myelodysplastic Syndrome
118 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1
at least two prior systemic chemotherapy regimens
0 Actively Recruiting
Amyloidosis
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
21 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2
Relapsed and/or Refractory Lymphoma
0 Actively Recruiting
Hemopoietic stem cell transplant
0 Actively Recruiting
Anemia
0 Actively Recruiting
previously treated
0 Actively Recruiting
Follicular Lymphoma
92 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable
Mantle Cell Lymphoma
97 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
35 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Lymphoma
51 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 3
Multiple Myeloma
12 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1
Lenalidomide Reviews: What are patients saying about Lenalidomide?
5Patient Review
6/12/2013 I've been on this medication for six months as part of a clinical trial for high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma. I experience itchiness and take Claritin daily, fatigue and thus need to rest frequently, stomach issues that I just have to deal with, diarrhea or constipation depending on the day, and headaches which are constant but manageable. Overall, I think that the pros outweigh the cons here because if I stopped taking the medication things would likely only get worse.
5Patient Review
3/12/2015 I've had MM and other cancers since 1988. In 2013, I started taking revlimid and within one month saw a strong decrease [in the cancer]. After two months, I stopped the medication because the myeloma had sufficiently decreased. However, I needed treatment for colon cancer. I started taking revlimid again two weeks ago and feel great.
4.3Patient Review
5/23/2012 I'm pretty exhausted.
3Patient Review
12/9/2020 The side-effects of this medication are really terrible. I feel weak and frail. I've dropped down to 15 mg from 25 mg but things haven't changed. I felt well until I started taking this medication - feel dreadful now so I think I can blame the medication.
2.7Patient Review
6/7/2013 My wife took this medication for six months and, at that time, her cancer was controlled. However, after six months, her myeloma rose again.
2.7Patient Review
5/19/2011 This treatment was quite painful and I had many reactions to it.
2.7Patient Review
2/17/2014 The high cost is my main issue with this treatment.
1Patient Review
6/27/2012 My father took this medication for three days and experienced severe itchiness on his head/scalp and heart palpitations. He discontinued the med but within a week had developed a severe and painful full body rash that has continued for over a week.
1Patient Review
6/9/2012 My mother died after taking just three capsules of this medication. Please be careful- it caused congestive heart failure in her.
Patient Q&A Section about lenalidomide
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.How long can you stay on lenalidomide?
"The average amount of time that patients took lenalidomide was 21 months, with 25% of patients taking it for less than 11 months and 25% taking it for more than 31 months. The treatment was stopped for 64.7% (n = 90) of the patients when the analysis was done."
Answered by AI
What are side effects of lenalidomide?
"If you experience any of the following side effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately: diarrhea, stomach/abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, dizziness, dry skin, dry mouth, or trouble sleeping. These side effects may be indicative of a serious condition."
Answered by AI
How long can you take lenalidomide?
"The average length of time a patient stayed on lenalidomide maintenance was 21 months, with 25% of patients receiving less than 11 months of maintenance and 25% receiving longer than 31 months. The treatment had been discontinued in 64.7% of patients by the time the analysis was performed."
Answered by AI
What is the function of lenalidomide?
"Lenalidomide is a drug used to treat anemia (low red blood cell count) in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a condition in which the bone marrow doesn't produce enough healthy blood cells. People with MDS may require blood transfusions to make up for the lack of healthy red blood cells."
Answered by AI
Is lenalidomide a chemotherapy?
"Myeloma is a cancer of the blood, and lenalidomide is a treatment for it. Myelodysplastic syndromes are blood disorders, and lenalidomide is a treatment for them. Clinical trials are ongoing for the use of lenalidomide in other types of cancer."
Answered by AI
What type of drug is lenalidomide?
"Lenalidomide is a drug used to treat cancer, also known by its brand name Revlimid. It is a treatment for myeloma, a type of blood cancer, as well as for blood disorders called myelodysplastic syndromes. You may also receive lenalidomide as part of clinical trials for other types of cancer. If you have myeloma, you might be treated with lenalidomide in combination with a steroid drug called dexamethasone."
Answered by AI