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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more| .
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This information is about a drug called lenalidomide. It is used to treat people with myeloma (a cancer of the plasma cell of the bone marrow). You will see your doctor regularly while you have this treatment so that they can monitor its effects. This information should help you to discuss any queries about your treatment and its side effects with your doctor or specialist nurse, as they are in the best position to help and advise you.
Lenalidomide belongs to a new class of drugs called immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs™). The exact way lenalidomide works is not completely understood at the moment. It affects the way the immune system works.
Lenalidomide also has the ability to block the development of new blood vessels. Making blood vessels is called angiogenesis. Cancer cells need to make new blood vessels so they can grow and spread.
Lenalidomide is licensed to be given with a steroid called dexamethasone for people with myeloma, who have already had at least one other type of treatment. It is Lenalidomide (Revlimid®) currently being assessed by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) for use in the NHS. NICE gives advice on which new drugs or treatments should be available. As a result, Lenalidomide may not be widely available on the NHS.
We can give you more information on what to do if a treatment isn't available.
Lenalidomide is sometimes given in combination with a chemotherapy drug called cyclophosphamide and the steroid dexamethasone. This combination of drugs or regime is called CRD.
Lenalidomide is being researched as a treatment for some other cancers. It is also used to treat a type of anaemia known as myelodysplastic syndrome|.
Lenalidomide is available as 5mg, 10mg, 15mg and 25mg capsules.
Lenalidomide capsules are swallowed whole with plenty of water once a day.
Each person's reaction to a cancer drug is different. Some people have very few side effects, while others may experience more. We have outlined the most common side effects. However, we have not included those that are very rare and therefore extremely unlikely to affect you. If you notice any effects that you think may be due to the drug but which are not listed here, please discuss them with your doctor or nurse.
Lowered resistance to infection Lenalidomide can reduce the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection|. Your blood counts will be monitored while you are taking lenalidomide.
Contact your doctor or the hospital straight away if:
You will have a blood test before having more treatment to make sure that your cells have recovered. Occasionally it may be necessary to delay your treatment if the number of blood cells (the blood count) is still low.
Bruising or bleeding Lenalidomide can reduce the production of platelets (which help the blood to clot). Let your doctor know if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
Risk of blood clots Lenalidomide may increase your risk of developing blood clots. These can be either a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which is a clot in the leg, or a pulmonary embolism (PE), which is a clot in the lung. While taking lenalidomide you may also be given medication to thin your blood and help to prevent any clots forming. Let your hospital doctor know if you develop any pain, swelling or redness in one of your calves (a possible DVT), or if you notice any breathlessness| or chest pain (a possible PE).
Rashes Lenalidomide can cause a rash, which may be itchy. Your doctor can prescribe treatment to help reduce this.
Constipation This can usually be relieved by drinking plenty of fluids (2–3 litres a day), eating a high-fibre diet and taking gentle exercise. Sometimes you may need to take laxatives to stimulate your bowel. These can be prescribed by your doctor.
Lethargy or sleepiness You may feel tired| when taking lenalidomide. If you are sleepy, it is important not to drive or operate machinery. It may help to take the tablets in the evening.
If you have any questions about these or any other side effects, you can talk to your doctor or nurse. It is important to let them know if you have any symptoms or side effects that may be related to the treatment you are having.
Contraception Because lenalidomide can potentially cause serious birth defects it is very important not to become pregnant or father a child while taking this drug. Women will be asked to have a pregnancy test, to check that they are not pregnant. They will also be advised to use a highly effective form of contraception (such as implanted or injected contraception) as well as a barrier method (such as a condom or cap).
Men taking lenalidomide are advised to use a condom even if they have had a vasectomy.
This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources including:
For further references, please see the general bibliography|.
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