Health Library

Lenalidomide (By mouth)

Lenalidomide (len-a-LID-oh-mide)

Treats myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), multiple myeloma (plasma cell cancer), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL).

Brand Name(s):

Revlimid

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Take this medicine at the same way each day. Take it at the same time and take it consistently, either with or without food.
• Swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not crush, break, chew, or open it.
• Do not open the capsules or handle them any more than needed. If you accidentally touch the powder inside the capsule, wash your skin with soap and water right away. If it gets into your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse right away with water.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose:
  • Less than 12 hours since your regular time: Take the missed dose as soon as you can. Then, take your next dose at the normal time.
  • More than 12 hours since your regular time: Skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Return unused capsules to your doctor or pharmacist.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not receive pembrolizumab together with dexamethasone and lenalidomide or similar medicines if you have multiple myeloma.
• Some medicines can affect how lenalidomide works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Darbepoetin alfa, digoxin, epoetin alfa
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Medicine that contains estrogen

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine will cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Call your doctor for emergency birth control information if you think you or your sexual partner becomes pregnant.
• Women should begin using 2 forms of reliable birth control 4 weeks before starting treatment. Continue using birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose. Routine pregnancy tests are needed.
• Men, even those who have had a vasectomy, must prevent pregnancy in their sexual partners during treatment with this medicine and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose. Do not donate sperm while using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lactose intolerance, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid problems, or a history of heart attack or stroke. Tell your doctor if you smoke.
• Do not donate blood during treatment and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke
  • Increased risk of new cancer
  • Liver problems
  • Serious skin reactions
  • Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which can damage organs including the liver, kidney, or heart
  • Tumor lysis syndrome (metabolic problem that can be life-threatening)
  • Worsening of your tumor (tumor flare reaction)
  • Thyroid problems
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Change in how often you urinate, uneven heartbeat, seizure
• Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, fainting
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, pain in your lower leg, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Swollen lymph glands, low fever, pain, rash
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, constipation
• Dizziness, trouble sleeping, tiredness
• Joint, back, or muscle pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024