Treatment of multiple myeloma (in combination with dexamethasone), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) associated with a deletion 5q cytogenetic abnormality, and relapsed mantle cell lymphoma.
Treatment of multiple myeloma (in combination with dexamethasone), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) associated with a deletion 5q cytogenetic abnormality, and relapsed mantle cell lymphoma.
Functions as a potent immunomodulatory drug (IMiD) with multiple mechanisms of action. It binds directly to cereblon, an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, leading to the degradation of essential lymphoid transcription factors (IKZF1 and IKZF3). This induces apoptosis in malignant plasma cells, blocks tumor angiogenesis, and stimulates T-cell and Natural Killer (NK) cell-mediated immune responses.
Severe neutropenia, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, thrombocytopenia, severe birth defects, diarrhea, and fatigue.
Lenalidomide is a structural analogue of thalidomide and is highly embryotoxic, capable of causing severe, life-threatening birth defects. It must never be taken during pregnancy.
The REMS program ensures that pregnant women are not exposed to the drug. It requires strict monthly negative pregnancy tests and mandatory dual contraception methods for all female patients of childbearing potential.
Lenalidomide significantly increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, especially when combined with dexamethasone. Prophylactic aspirin or low-molecular-weight heparin is routinely added.
The 5mg dose allows for precise maintenance scheduling, or appropriate downward dose adjustments for patients with renal impairment or severe neutropenia.
It can cause significant bone marrow suppression, resulting in severe neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, which requires weekly blood count checks during early cycles.
The drug is present in semen. Male patients must use a condom during sexual contact with females of childbearing potential throughout treatment and for 4 weeks after stopping the drug.
They can be taken with or without food, but should be swallowed whole at the same time each day with a full glass of water.
It is primarily excreted unchanged via the kidneys. Dosage adjustments are essential for patients with moderate to severe renal impairment.
It is often administered once daily for 21 consecutive days of a repeated 28-day cycle, paired with weekly doses of dexamethasone.
No. Blood donation is strictly prohibited during therapy and for at least 4 weeks after the final dose to prevent exposing a pregnant transfusion recipient to the drug.